IPL 2024: Former Pakistan pacer opens up about Sunil Narine and Andre Russell's night routine during IPL

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram recently shared some interesting insights into the unusual schedule followed by West Indies stars Sunil Narine and Andre Russell during the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Akram, who previously served as the bowling coach for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), revealed that Narine and Russell have a unique routine of staying awake all night and sleeping during the day while in India for the IPL.

This peculiar schedule is particularly notable given the significant time difference between India and the West Indies, with India being 9 hours and 30 minutes ahead.

“These guys sleep in the day during IPL and stay up whole night…”

Akram told, “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).”

“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.

Despite their unconventional routine, Narine and Russell have been key players for the KKR franchise. Narine, especially, has been instrumental under the leadership of his former teammate Gautam Gambhir.

Both create impact in the team

In the first seven matches of the IPL season, Narine has showcased his versatility by not only excelling with the ball but also by opening the batting for KKR. He has scored an impressive 286 runs at an average of 40.86 and a strike rate of 176.54, while also picking up 9 wickets with an economy rate of 7.11.

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Meanwhile, Russell has also made significant contributions with both bat and ball for KKR. In seven games, he has scored 155 runs at an average of 51.67 and a strike rate of 184.52, in addition to claiming 9 wickets. Narine and Russell’s unorthodox approach to their daily schedule hasn’t hindered their performance on the field, as they continue to play pivotal roles for KKR in the IPL.