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

Andre Russell, who is currently serving out one-year ban for a doping-code violation is replaced by New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme by Kolkata Knight Riders for the upcoming 10th season of Indian Premier League.

De Grandhomme, a medium-pace bowler and a lower-order batsman, made his debut for New Zealand in February 2012.

De Grandhomme has featured in 6 Tests, 9 ODIs and 8 T20 Internationals for the Black Caps so far. De Grandhomme made his Test debut for New Zealand in late 2016 and marked the occasion with a six-wicket haul.

Captain Gautam Gambhir, however, chose to look at things differently. "Either we can see Russell's absence as a challenge or look at it as an opportunity in bold letters," he told PTI. "I as an individual, and KKR as a group, are looking it as an opportunity."

Knight Riders begin their IPL campaign on April 7 against Gujarat Lions in Rajkot.

(With inputs from PTI)