Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are at a critical juncture. At the halfway mark of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, they are placed 7th. The reigning champions aren’t that far off from being knocked out of the tournament. Going forward, each match is crucial. Each victory or defeat will create permutations and combinations for their Playoffs qualification.
KKR’s pragmatic approach
KKR is one of the most pragmatic teams in the IPL. They are a team that let go of Shreyas Iyer. A captain who got them an IPL trophy after 10 years. If they can do that, one can expect them to rest someone like Andre Russell as well.
The Andre Russell bond
The all-rounder’s name is synonymous with KKR. In his IPL career, 127 of his 134 matches have come for the franchise. But it doesn’t end here. Russell plays for the franchise in the Caribbean Premier League, ILT20, and Major League Cricket as well. There is clearly a special relationship between KKR and Russell.
That is why the question arises: will KKR and Ajinkya Rahane drop Russell against the Gujarat Titans? The all-rounder has been poor in the IPL 2025 season, and that’s saying it lightly. Known for his striking ability, Russell has been playing like a turtle. He never made big scores, but it was his impact that set him apart. That hasn’t been the case so far.
Andre Russell in IPL 2025
BATTING
Innings: 5, Runs: 37, Average: 6.80, Strike Rate: 109.67
BOWLING
Innings: 3, Overs: 6.3, Wickets: 5, Average: 17.60, Economy: 7.80
And he isn’t bowling much either. Russell hasn’t even bowled 7 overs in 7 matches. For that, the blame mustn’t fall on him. But when you have Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Anrich Nortje, and Moeen Ali, you don’t need his bowling much.
Andre Russell playing as a batter?
But that’s the point. If he isn’t bowling, Russell isn’t an all-rounder. That means KKR has been playing an out-of-form batter for 7 matches. So, do you need him? KKR has a long batting lineup anyway. With Rinku Singh and Ramandeep Singh acting as the finishers anyway.
And considering KKR is playing on a spin-friendly wicket at the Eden Gardens against Gujarat Titans, pace isn’t needed much. Nortje would go out, and Moeen Ali would return to the team. You will have 12 overs of spin. And Russell’s batting hasn’t been great, not just in IPL 2025 but the whole of 2025.
Andre Russell T20 stats in 2025
BATTING
Innings: 16, Runs: 168, Average: 12.92, Strike Rate: 136.58
BOWLING
Innings: 7, Overs: 14.3, Wickets: 7, Average: 26, Economy: 12.55
Will KKR play Rovman Powell?
Therefore, wouldn’t it be better to play another power hitter like Rovman Powell? The former West Indian T20 captain is a regular on the franchise circuit and has upskilled himself since last year. Powell, like Russell, is known for his strike rate and impact. He won’t stitch long innings but finish with a bang. And that’s what KKR wants from Russell, but he just hasn’t delivered.
No one can question Russell’s ability. And yes, form is temporary and class is permanent. But KKR needs wins, or else it’s over for them in IPL 2025. Will they continue to back him and play him, or will they look past his name and accolades of the past and bench Russell?
