Akram Reveals KKR Stars Narine, Russell's Bizarre 'Night Routine' In IPL

Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram revealed the bizarre schedule of West Indies stars Sunil Narine and Andre Russell when the two players are in India for the country’s marquee T20 event IPL. The Pakistan legend, who has worked with Narine and Russell during his stint as bowling coach of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL, revealed that the two players stay up the entire night and sleep during the day when in India for the tournament. It is worth noting that India is 9 hours and 30 minutes ahead of the West Indies.

“When I was a part of KKR, I would wake up early for breakfast. Sunil Narine came for breakfast with swollen eyes. I asked him, ‘Hey mate! What’s happening?’ I tried for a West Indies accent, but it did not come out that way. It sounded like a British or Aussie accent (laughs),” Akram told Sportskeeda.

“So, yeah, I asked him why he looked tired. He said I haven’t slept. I said what do you mean I haven’t slept. He said I am on West Indies time. I asked him to explain. Sunil said he stays up at night and sleeps in the day. Even Andre Russell, I think he does the same thing. These guys sleep in the day during IPL and stay up whole night,” he added.

Narine continues to be a crucial member of the KKR franchise. Under new mentor and his old KKR teammate Gautam Gambhir’s reign, Narine has once again started opening the batting for the franchise and that has reaped fruits for the two-time champions.

In the first 7 matches, Narine scored 286 runs at an average of 40.86 and a strike rate of 176.54. The right-arm off-spinner has also taken 9 wickets while bowling at an economy of 7.11.

On the other hand, Andre Russell is also having a good IPL season with 155 runs from 7 games at an average of 51.67 and strike rate of 184.52. Russell has also taken 9 wickets.