Andre Russell says he is best T20 player in the world

Be it with bat or ball, Andre Russell has been the undisputed star for the Kolkata Knight Riders this season. Before Saturday's game against Rajasthan Royals, Russell had scored 289 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 193.95, while also picking 11 wickets at an impressive strike rate of 20.00.

Moreover, he has single-handedly won them games from losing positions. But strangely, this Jamaican all-rounder was a complete flop when he was plying his trade for Delhi Daredevils.

When MAIL TODAY inquired what has changed in the last two years, Russell feels it is the atmosphere in the KKR camp and the faith they have shown in him that has helped him evolve as a player.

"I think when I was with Delhi, I was not getting the opportunity. You know that you are a good overseas player, but if you are not getting chances, it makes you think wrong. That is what happened when I was with DD. If you don't get opportunities, your mind won't get peace. You will keep thinking that if you fail, you will be dropped. KKR is different. Here, you will get the opportunity and if you fail, no one will say that it's because of you we lost," he revealed.

Talking of showstoppers from the Caribbean island, the name that comes to mind first is Chris Gayle. And Russell has done just as well this season. But he doesn't want to be the new Gayle and is happy to be the star of KKR.

"It's good to be known like that. But, I want to be Andre Russell of KKR. Gayle is big in Bengaluru and that's what I want to be in Kolkata. I want to make an impact like that. We want to make people enjoy what we do in the cricket field," he said.

The best part about Russell is that he keeps things simple both with bat and ball. Asked about his philosophy, he said: "Simple -- see the ball, hit the ball. I believe in this. My philosophy says, if you don't see the ball in your zone, try and get singles. But if it's in your zone, go for it... boom! I know that I don't have any weakness, so I am not afraid of any bowler. I just say to myself that 'you can't play a wrong shot and get out'," he said.

Asked about his idols, Russell is quick to name the two most dreaded players in world cricket at the moment - A.B. de Villiers and Gayle. But Russell is quick to add that when it comes to the T20 version, he is the best.

"Gayle and AB are my favourites. AB is a wonderful player. The way AB uses the crease, the way he moves around, that's ridiculous man. Still, he is not the best in T20s because that is me," he said.

Apart from cricket, music is another passion that keeps Russell busy.

"The cricketing side is the true me, for now. But I am planning to do something with music after I retire from cricket. If I am not back to cricket, I will do it over music. I won't say that I don't love anything apart from cricket. I have already released one album," he said.