Russell not surprised to be part of World Cup squad

Andre Russell said he was keen to represent the West Indies in the upcoming 50-over World Cup, next month.

Andre Russell has been in great form in this edition of IPL.

Kolkata Knight Riders trump card Andre Russell on Saturday said that he was keen to represent the West Indies in the upcoming 50-over World Cup.

“I am so hungry right now to represent the West Indies because a lot of fans (have been) saying all sorts of things. They never know what it is to play with injuries and to play in situations where you are not comfortable,” Russell said on the eve of KKR’s Indian Premier League match against Mumbai Indians at the Eden Gardens here.

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“If you keep playing for your country and you are not comfortable then the performances won't show as it always shows here in franchise cricket. What has been happening over the years is we have been playing all around the world in T20 leagues, we have been treated like royalties and we haven't been treated like we are part of the Caribbean team. I think that is where it should be more fun because we speak the same language, we can be yourself and stuff.”

Russell expected to find a place in the West Indies World Cup squad. “I wasn’t surprised to be a part of the World Cup squad. I have been doing well. I have been back and forth with the selectors and coaches back home. Once I am doing my work well here and performing that will lead to national duties. I was not really focusing on the World Cup. I was just focusing on KKR, making sure that I did my best here,” he said.