Russell smashed 49* off 25 balls in the Eliminator at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, May 23. With nobody from Rajasthan Royals able to play a similarly “fearless” knock, they slipped to a 25-run loss and were knocked out of the tournament.

Russell, whose outrageous shots for the evening included a forehand six off a slower bouncer from Jofra Archer, credited a clear mind, a hard swing and a good “stick” for his success. “It’s all about being balanced, have a still base and make sure you get bat to ball. For me, once I get bat to ball, I know it will either be a four or a six. I swing very hard, and I believe in my ability,” he said.

“We know how important this match was and it feels good to have contributed with the bat and the ball.”