Andre Russell (Image Credit: BCCI/IPL) So far it has been a season under par, for the Kalkata Knight (KKR) versatile Andre Russell, due to its noble standards. Russell recorded 55 runs in eight IPL 2025 matches at a strike of 119.57. The 36-year-old versatile player broke only four sixths this season-often overcomes in a single match when he is in shape.
In the recent match KRKR against Gujarat Titans (GT) Russell managed only 21 escapes out of 15 balls. Rashid Khan was released before he could cause any significant damage, so he left the Krk in the place of harassment.
While Russell’s form is really a problem, release against GT also raises questions about whether he is his cryptonite in IPL. In the tournament, he was released 21 times by spinners, with 14 of these releases coming against spinners of his feet.
Russell scored 348 runs in 246 balls to strike 141.46 and on average 24.85 against the legs.
Overall, 676 runs in 452 balls at a strike of 149.55 and an average of 32.19 scored against the spinners.
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Russell’s struggle against the rot of the legs from IPL 2023 became even more obvious. He gained 105 runs in 77 balls in a strike of 136.36 and on average only 13.12, with eight releases.
This vulnerability was particularly exhibited in the IPL 2019, when CSK MS Dhoni earned him by bringing Spinner Imran Tahir at the decisive intersection. This step was worthwhile when Tahir refused Russell on only 10 runs, which helped CSK to ensure victory.
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“Russell is not the only one who fights. Yes, he has released him several times with spinners, but that’s not a problem. Rashid is one of the quality spinners. We just have to bat better so that Russell can finish the games,” said Mentor KKR Dwayne Bravo after losing the team.
“IPL is a hard tournament. If you don’t start well, the dough goes to a stage where they lose confidence. This is happening at the moment. We only have to support them and hopefully they’re coming well,” Bravo added.
The KKR is currently seventh in the IPL table of 2025 points and will face PBK in their next match.
Get the latest iPL 2025 updates in the Times of India, including matches, team units, points and points and Live score of IPL for CSK, Mi, RCB, Krk, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS and RR. Do not miss the list of players in the IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple Cap.
