Andre Russell is a powerhouse with both bat and ball, but are KKR missing out by not using his bowling enough this IPL season? His skills could be the game-changer they need to dominate their matches.
Russell’s Bowling Magic Helped KKR Win the 2024 Title
Andre Russell is famous for hitting big sixes, but it was his bowling that made a huge difference in Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) 2024 IPL victory. Last season, Russell took 19 wickets — his highest ever in an IPL season! His economy rate was 10.06, which is actually good considering how many runs were scored in the tournament. Even better, his strike rate (how many balls he needed to take a wicket) was an amazing 9.26 — the best in IPL history for bowlers who took 15 or more wickets in a season.
In 2024, Russell bowled in every one of the 14 matches he played. But this year, in 2025, he has bowled in only 5 out of the 9 matches so far. Despite bowling very little, he already has 7 wickets from just 10.3 overs. Among 102 bowlers who have bowled at least 10 overs since last season, Russell still has the best strike rate (9.2). (More Sports News)
So, the big question is — why isn’t KKR using him more this season?
Russell Makes a Difference When He Bowls
On Saturday’s match, Russell started bowling in the 12th over after a big 120-run opening stand by the opposition. Right away, he broke the partnership. His figures of 1 wicket for 27 runs in 3 overs helped KKR fight back. Thanks to his bowling, the Punjab Kings could only score 40 runs in their last 5 overs after going strong earlier.
In the previous match too, Russell took the important wicket of Sai Sudharsan in just one over, breaking another 100+ run partnership.
In 2024, KKR dominated the middle overs (Overs 7–15) by taking 49 wickets. Russell was the only fast bowler among the spinners who took many wickets during that phase.
This year, though KKR is still doing okay during the middle overs, their wins mostly happen when they take early wickets. When they don’t, they struggle badly — and not using Russell enough could be part of the problem.
Russell’s Numbers in Middle Overs Are Impressive
Here’s how Russell stacks up in the middle overs since 2024:
- Balls bowled: 149
- Wickets taken: 16
- Average: 16.12
- Strike Rate: 9.3
- Economy Rate: 10.38
He even beats big names like Harshal Patel, Pat Cummins, and Hardik Pandya in these stats. Clearly, Russell is one of the best fast bowlers during the middle overs — and yet KKR is not using him fully!
Russell Can Turn Games With Bat and Ball
Last season, Russell’s bowling was game-changing. He took key wickets against top players like Abhishek Sharma, Abdul Samad, Rajat Patidar, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran, Marcus Stoinis, and Hardik Pandya. In the 2024 IPL final, he took 3 wickets for 19 runs, helping KKR lift the trophy.
Even with the bat, there have been strange decisions about his batting position. Sometimes, younger players like Ramandeep Singh and Angkrish Raghuvanshi are sent ahead of him. In a close chase against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Russell didn’t get enough balls to make a difference.
One strange moment came against Mumbai Indians (MI) when Russell batted at No.8 — something that rarely happens. This is surprising because Russell has rescued KKR before from difficult situations with his powerful hitting.
Conclusion: KKR Needs Russell’s Full Power
In 2021, Russell helped KKR bounce back after a bad first half of the season with brilliant performances. Right now in 2025, KKR is again in a tough spot.
Russell is one of the few players who has won 10 or more T20 tournament finals. If KKR wants to spark a comeback this season, they need to trust Andre Russell more — both as a bowler and a batter.
Will KKR give their superstar the full chance he deserves? Fans sure hope so!