Russell’s explosive batting led KKR to a formidable total of 208/7, with his unbeaten 64 runs off just 25 balls, supported by a crucial 81-run partnership with Rinku Singh.
The innings began with a fiery start from England’s Phil Salt, who contributed 54 runs.
In pursuit of KKR’s challenging total, Sunrisers’ Heinrich Klaasen counterattacked with a blistering 63 off 29 balls, keeping SRH in contention as they chased the target of 209 at Eden Gardens.
As the match came down to the wire, requiring 13 runs off the final over, tensions were high.
Despite a six off the first ball by Klaasen, fast bowler Harshit Rana maintained his composure, dismissing Shahbaz Ahmed and Klaasen in quick succession to seal the thrilling victory for KKR.
Russell’s dominance was evident as he decimated the SRH bowling attack, smashing seven sixes and three fours.
“Let’s not go ahead of ourselves. He batted well, and it’s got nothing to do with anyone coming into there (KKR). If he doesn’t do well in the next few innings, will you blame Gautam Gambhir? Let’s take it a little bit easy,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.
“When you saw someone like Bhuveneshwar Kumar, who was practising his yorkers so well on the practise pitches, bowled leg-deliveries (in the match) which was everything in the arc for Andre Russell… When somebody like Russell is hitting the ball into the stands, nobody can stop him,” Gavaskar said further.
KKR will now take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 29.