Andre Russell returns to Chepauk where he nearly spoiled CSK homecoming in 2018

Almost to the day a year ago (April 10, 2018), Russell battered M.S. Dhoni and Co. on their home turf, famous as Chepauk.

Andre Russell blasted 88 off just 36 balls for Kolkata Knight Riders coming close on the heels of a year's ban for a doping violation.

As the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gets ready to host the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium at 8pm on Tuesday, it will be wary of the Andre Russell threat.

The marauding Jamaican has hammered 22 sixes and 12 boundaries in five matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 so far at a stratospheric strike rate of 268.83.

CSK would be wary of a piece of relatively recent history. Almost to the day a year ago (April 10, 2018), Russell battered M.S. Dhoni and Co. on their home turf, famous as Chepauk. CSK was returning to the IPL and Chepauk after a two-year gap and Russell gave it a mighty scare. 

The West Indian blasted 88 off just 36 balls for KKR. His blistering knock came barely a few months after his return from a year's ban for a doping violation.

When Russell walked in to bat, KKR had lost half its side for 89. What followed, however, left the Chennai bowlers huffing and puffing. He smashed 11 sixes and a boundary in his thrilling innings.

Sam Billings' 56 off 23 balls helped CSK chase down a stiff target of 203 that night. Russell, or Dre Russ as he is popularly known, would be keen on a win this time.