Kolkata Knight Riders (KRR) suffered a disappointing defeat against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025, getting bowled out for just 95 while chasing a modest target of 112. The 16-run loss was a major blow, and former Indian cricketer Saba Karim pointed fingers at all-rounder Andre Russell, questioning his continued value to the side. Russell, who managed only 17 off 11 balls, gave fans a glimmer of hope by hitting 16 runs in a Chahal over, but his dismissal to Jansen derailed KKR’s chances entirely.

Saba Karim was critical of Russell's ongoing underperformance, suggesting that the veteran all-rounder hasn’t contributed consistently in recent seasons. Despite a few flashes of brilliance, Russell’s overall numbers since 2019 haven’t justified the faith KKR has shown by retaining him through multiple auctions. Karim emphasized that the franchise’s patience seems misplaced given Russell's diminishing impact, especially in high-pressure chases like the one against PBKS.

"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 the other global franchise leagues-he has struggled for runs. And I think he strives to compensate by bowling those two to three overs and picking up wickets. But 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," Karin said on Star Sports.

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He has hardly done anything of note: Saba Karim

Andre Russell had an underwhelming season in 2020, delivered a solid all-around performance in 2022, and followed it up with average outings in 2024. In the ongoing IPL 2025 season, his batting has failed to make an impact, even though he has managed to pick up wickets with the ball. According to Saba Karim, Russell continues to find a place in the KKR lineup more due to his past reputation than his current form.

"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-they want Russell to win such encounters for them. Even while setting a target this season, he has hardly delivered. He has hardly done anything of note. And I think that's one of the reasons why the lower middle-order of KKR has struggled to some extent," the 57-year-old cricketer turned commentator concluded.