Twitter reactions: De Russ turns on beast mode as Kolkata steamroll Punjab in one-sided affair

Kolkata and Punjab locked horns in the eighth game of the Indian T20 League 2022. Going according to the trend in the tournament, Kolkata won the toss and elected to bowl first. They had a great start with the ball as Umesh Yadav trapped Mayank Agarwal (1) lbw on the last ball of the first over. However, Punjab recovered well after the early wicket.

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They amassed 62 runs, thanks to Bhanuka Rajapaksa (31) and Shikhar Dhawan (16). However, the duo couldn't capitalize on their starts as they were dismissed by Shivam Mavi and Tim Southee inside the powerplay. The loss of these batters triggered a collapse as the team struggled to put enough partnerships in the innings. No one in the batting department could cross the 30-run mark, except for Rajapaksa. The Men in Red and Gold were struggling at 102/8 at one stage.

However, the innings from Kagiso Rabada (25) helped the team reach a respectable total of 137 all-out, which wasn't enough for their bowlers to defend. For Kolkata, Umesh Yadav took four wickets, Tim Southee took two, and Shivam Mavi, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine took one each. In reply, the Men in Purple and Gold lost the wicket of Ajinkya Rahane (3) at the score of 14 to Kagiso Rabada, who played the first game of the league.

The likes of Venkatesh Iyer (3) once again failed to live up to his reputation as he was dismissed by Odean Smith. Skipper Shreyas Iyer played an explosive inning of 26 runs off 15 balls but was taken out by Rahul Chahar. Nitish Rana (0) followed two balls later as the team was tottering at 51/4 at one stage. However, the unbeaten partnership of 90 runs between Andre Russell (70) and Sam Billings made sure the team won by six wickets and 5.3 overs to spare.

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This is how Twitter reacted

When you want the party to get over asap- you turn on the Dre Russ mode on🔥 #KKRvsPBKS #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/aMn86pcBp5

— Reema Malhotra (@ReemaMalhotra8) April 1, 2022

Andre Russell stole the show with this carnage but the Player of the Match Award should still go to Umesh Yadav for such a brilliant bowling spell. #KKRvPBKS

— Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) April 1, 2022

And Andre Russell holds the orange cap!#KKRHaiTaiyaar #KKRvPBKS #IPL2022

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 1, 2022

Russ u beauty @Russell12A 💥💪 @KKRiders congratulations 👏 #sixerking

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 1, 2022

Hard to stop Andre Russell if you don't have enough quality in your bowling attack. 70* (31) while chasing 138, that too after walking in to bat in a tense situation. He has handed KKR a big boost in NRR.#KKRvPBKS

— Prasenjit Dey (@CricPrasen) April 1, 2022

Kkr is so much stronger with Andre Russell in the best mode! #KKRvsPBKS

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 1, 2022

Welcome back my friend @Russell12A so long since saw the ball fly so high!!! It takes a life of its own when U hit it Man! And @y_umesh wow! To @ShreyasIyer15 & team well done.Have a happy nite boys.

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) April 1, 2022

Spectacular hitting by Andre Russell. Many thought hewas past his sell by date, but in the last couple of knocks he’s shown he could still be the most influential player this season

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) April 1, 2022

Andre, the T20 giant will always steal the headlines. But KKR must be delighted with how Billings was so assured at the other end. And Umesh’s spells are just getting better. #KKRvsPBKS #IPL2022

— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) April 1, 2022

Andre Russell
Remember the name 👑

Congratulations KKR 💜💛#KKRvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/8A24DjEkD9

— Azaan #Pathaan25Jan (@SRKFanAzaan) April 1, 2022

ANDRE RUSSELL walked in & said I am winning tonight & there’s nothing you can do about it. Great 50* 🔥#KKRvsPBKS #KKRvsPBKS #IPL2022 @Russell12A

— Sushant Mehta (@SushantNMehta) April 1, 2022