Andre Russell: The Powerhouse of West Indies Cricket – Teams, Stats, and 5 Shocking Moments
**Introduction**
Andre Russell, popularly dubbed **"Dre Russ"**, is one of the most explosive all-rounders in modern cricket. Known for his physical power, lightning-fast bowling, and game-changing exploits, Russell has made an indelible imprint on T20 leagues globally, notably in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for the West Indies cricket team.
In this blog article, we’ll explore: - Andre Russell’s career and teams
- The number of players on his primary squads
- **5 most startling and unforgettable moments** of his career
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## **Andre Russell’s Cricket Teams**
Russell is a globetrotting T20 superstar, having played for various clubs. Here are his important teams:
### **1. West Indies National Team** - ** Role:** All-rounder (Right-handed batsman, Right-arm fast bowler) - **Debut:** 2010 (ODI), 2011 (T20I) - ** Total Players in West Indies Squad:** Usually 15-18 players in limited-overs teams
### **2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – IPL** - ** Years Played:** 2014–Present - ** Total Players in IPL Squad:** 25 (varies each season)
- **Impact:** One of KKR’s most valuable match-winners
### **Other Notable Teams:** - **Jamaica Tallawahs** (Caribbean Premier League) - **Sydney Thunder** (Big Bash League) - **Dhaka Dynamites** (Bangladesh Premier League) - **Lahore Qalandars** (Pakistan Super League)
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5 Most Shocking & Memorable Moments of Andre Russell’s Career
### **1. The 2016 T20 World Cup Final — Russell’s Heroics in Vain** **Match:** West Indies versus England, Final (April 3, 2016) **Shocking Moment:** Carlos Brathwaite’s 4 sixes overshadowed Russell’s brilliance.
Andre Russell played a significant part in the 2016 T20 World Cup, notably in the final. He scored **21 off 14 balls** and took **1/21** in 3 overs, helping restrict England. However, the match is mainly known for Carlos Brathwaite smashing **4 consecutive sixes** off Ben Stokes in the penultimate over to win the trophy.
Russell’s efforts were significant throughout the competition, but Brathwaite’s last-over blitz took the focus.
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### **2. IPL 2019 – Russell’s One-Man Show for KKR ** **Match:** KKR against Royal Challengers Bangalore (April 5, 2019)
**Shocking Moment:** 48* off 13 balls with 7 sixes!
In one of the most violent IPL innings ever, Russell hammered **48* off only 13 balls** (7 sixes, 1 four) to grab victory from RCB. KKR needed **53 off 18 balls**, and Russell single-handedly smashed bowlers like Tim Southee and Mohammed Siraj.
This knock confirmed his status as the **"most dangerous finisher"** in T20 cricket.
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### **3. The 2019 ODI Controversy — Russell’s Doping Ban Overturned** **Shocking Moment:** Banned for a year, then cleared.
In 2017, Russell was granted a **1-year ban** for missing **three doping tests** in 12 months (a breach of WADA’s "Whereabouts" guideline). Many feared his career was in risk. However, he appealed the suspension, citing administrative mistakes, and was cleared to return in 2018.
His return was amazing, indicating that he was still one of the most dangerous all-rounders in the game.
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### **4. CPL 2018 - Fastest Fifty in CPL History (14 balls)** **Match:** Jamaica Tallawahs versus Trinbago Knight Riders (August 8, 2018)
**Shocking Moment:** Russell’s record-breaking 50 in just 14 balls!
Russell hit the **fastest fifty in CPL history** (14 balls), featuring **6 sixes and 4 fours**. His innings of **54 off 17 balls** left fans and critics in astonishment.
This knock highlighted his ability to demolish any bowling attack in minutes.
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### **5. IPL 2021 – Russell’s Hat-Trick & Collapse versus RCB ** **Match:** KKR against RCB (September 20, 2021)
** Shocking Moment:** A hat-trick followed by a catastrophic batting failure.
Russell became the **5th KKR player to capture an IPL hat-trick**, dismissing **Harshal Patel, Dan Christian, and Kyle Jamieson** in the last over. However, in a peculiar twist, KKR imploded when chasing a small goal (93), and Russell himself was removed for a **golden duck**.
This match was a rollercoaster—highlighting his bowling skill but also his occasional inaccuracy.
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## **Conclusion**
Andre Russell remains one of cricket’s most electric performers. Whether it’s his huge sixes, furious bowling, or surprising scandals, he never fails to entertain. From World Cup triumphs to IPL mayhem, Russell’s career is replete with remarkable events.
**What’s your favorite Andre Russell moment? Let us know in the comments!**
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