KKR ropes in Colin de Grandhomme in place of Andre Russell

Russell has been banned for one year following violation of whereabouts clause partaining anti-doping rules.

New Zealand's Colin de Grandhomme (C) walks from the field at the end of the Pakistan innings with six wickets during day two of the first cricket Test match between New Zealand and Pakistan. | AFP

NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders today replaced suspended West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell with New Zealand's Colin de Grandhomme for the upcoming 10th season of Indian Premier League.

Russell has been banned for one year following the violation of whereabouts clause pertaining anti-doping rules.

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.

Kolkata Knight Riders will meet Gujarat Lions in their opening game on April 7 at Rajkot.