April 16, 2025: Former Indian cricketer and JioHotstar expert Saba Karim has openly criticized Andre Russell’s current form in the ongoing IPL 2025 season, suggesting that the West Indies all-rounder is surviving in the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad more on reputation than performance.
Speaking on Match Centre Live on JioHotstar, Karim stated, “This is not the first season that he has disappointed his side—and also himself. I’ve seen Andre Russell not only in the TATA IPL, even in other global franchise leagues—he has struggled for runs.”
Russell, a long-time powerhouse for KKR, has been underwhelming with the bat this season, managing just 22 runs in seven innings at a poor average of 6.80. While he has picked up five wickets, his bowling economy has crossed 13, raising questions about his overall contribution to the team.
Karim noted that Russell has tried to compensate for his batting woes by contributing with the ball, but it hasn’t been enough. “If one can be brutally honest, he is part of this setup more because of his reputation. I don’t see the numbers for the past couple of seasons.”
In KKR’s recent shock defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS), who defended a historically low total of 111, Russell managed 17 off 11 balls, hitting two sixes and a four, before being bowled by Marco Jansen. The loss has added pressure to KKR’s campaign and intensified scrutiny on their senior players.
Saba Karim emphasized that Russell’s lack of match-winning performances is hurting KKR’s lower middle-order. “When is the last time he has come up with a match-winning performance? That’s what you need. That’s the reason why Kolkata Knight Riders have retained him.”
With KKR now at a crucial juncture in the tournament, calls for Russell to step up—or step aside—are growing louder. The coming games could determine whether the all-rounder can rediscover his impact or continue fading under the weight of past glories.