IPL 2017: Kolkata Knight Riders rope-in Colin de Grandhomme to replace Andre Russell

Kolkata: Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have roped in New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme as a replacement for their star West Indian player Andre Russell.

Russell was slated to fill the all-rounder’s position for KKR. However, a one-year ban imposed on him for violating anti-doping whereabouts regulations.

With one more slot opening up, KKR have decided to bring in Colin de Grandhomme, to fill in for the banned Russell, the franchise confirmed through an IPL media release.

Although, Grandhomme does not have as much international experience as Russell; the New Zealander has played eight T20Is.

However, KKR have also roped in England all-rounder Chris Woakes during the IPL auctions and the Englishman is largely expected to take Russell’s spot in the starting XI.