Andre Russell silenced his critics with a match-winning knock against Rajasthan Royals. The West Indies all-rounder had been under fire this season due to his poor form with the bat. Russell’s struggles were compounded by limited opportunities to showcase his skills, sparking speculation that IPL 2025 might be his last season with Kolkata Knight Riders.
A Big Comeback
Before the match against Rajasthan, Russell had managed just 72 runs in seven innings at an average of 10.28. However, he turned the tide with a blistering 57 not out off 25 balls, helping KKR post 206 for four on the board at E 
den Gardens. The hosts eventually won the nail-biter by a single run, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
What’s Next for Russell?
When asked about Russell’s future, teammate Varun Chakravarthy revealed that the veteran all-rounder is keen to continue playing in the IPL for another six years. “From what I’ve gathered from talking to him, he’s looking at playing another two or three cycles, which easily translates to six more years,” Chakravarthy said in the post-match press conference. An IPL cycle typically consists of three seasons between mega auctions.