Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) received a major boost ahead of their must-win Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) as all-rounder Andre Russell and fast-bower Lockie Ferguson returned to training. It now remains to be seen if they are match-fit for the big game in Sharjah. 

With uncertainty around their fitness, KKR lifted the mood of their supporters with a social media post showing their star overseas players back on the training pitch. The Instagram post by the two-time champions claims that to duo are ‘firing in all cylinders’ ahead of the do-or-die game suggesting they could be fit to take the field against RR at the Sharjah Cricket Ground on Thursday.

Russell has been out of action since the game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) where he limped off the field due to a hamstring injury. The 33-year-old’s absence severely hurt his team as they lost a nail-biting encounter to MS Dhoni’s side after Russell left the ground. The injury has forced him to miss the next three games. 

Meanwhile, Ferguson, who hurt himself during the franchise’s victory against Delhi Capitals (DC) has missed the last two games. The Kiwi pacer was in the middle of a brilliant spell in which he took two wickets in two overs before he was forced off the pitch against the Capitals.’ However, his performance played a critical role in KKR getting the win against the league leaders

A victory over the Royals will guarantee KKR qualification into the play-offs irrespective of Mumbai Indians’ (MI) result against Sunrisers Hyderabad(SRH). A superior net-run rate (NRR) makes it next to impossible for the defending champions to overtake them in the table if the two teams end on the same points. 

However, if the inaugural champions beat Eoin Morgan’s side, KKR will have to ensure they do not allow RR and Punjab Kings to overtake their NRR and hope SRH beat MI on Friday.