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.

See Also: IPL 2025: PBKS vs RCB Match 34- Who will be Impact Players for today's match?

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.

IPL 2025: Controversial Andre Russell Bat Check Goes Viral Ahead of KKR Crash

During IPL 2025's face-off between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders on 15th April, there was a controversial incident involving all-round performer Andre Russell that went viral. During one of the breaks, the officials had a check on Russell’s bat which went unaccounted for and became the focal point even before he faced a single run. 

The KKR star had taken the spotlight even before ball one had been bowled. Capturing Russell's bat check, the commentators and fans alike went into a frenzy claiming Russell powered-up secret technologies behind his skills. The banter on social media did not stop at the match either. Hashtags claiming “Kya hai bhai, Russell ki bat mein” and “Secret Technology of Power Hidden” thrived further on social networking sites. 

 

 

 

 

 

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In the end, it was not just the memes that were found wanting, as the experts performing analysis found Vaughn’s victory lap justified for. Controversy ensued as critiques pointed out KKR’s staggering honeymoon innings of 71/3 descending into a full-blown team collapse all-out at 95 runs KKR fans had a heart grabbing shock.

Also Read:-Sunil Narine Caught Red-Handed? Umpires Inspect Bat Before Match!

No restrictions were found to have been incurred with the bat check clearing inspection mid chase drama added the spice intended.

On Tuesday afternoon (April 8), the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants (KKR vs LSG) match will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which has been scheduled for the 21st match of the IPL 2025. Let's check the KKR vs LSG Dream11 top captains and vice-captains.  

IPL 2025, Match 21: KKR vs LSG Probable XIs

Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Playing XI: Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (Captain), Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Anrich Nortje/Spencer Johnson, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora/Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Impact Sub)

Lucknow Super Giants Predicted Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh/Digvesh Rathi (Impact Sub), Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (Captain), Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Abdul Samad/Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep

See Also: KKR vs LSG: Match 21 Weather and Pitch Report IPL 2025

IPL 2025, Match 21: KKR vs LSG Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Captain choices

Nicholas Pooran: Caribbean cricketer Nicholas Pooran has proven himself one of the most dangerous batters with his strong six-hitting abilities. He has scored 75, 70, 44, and 12 runs this season and also holds the record for most sixes in this IPL season with 16 sixes. 

Mitchell Marsh: In the ongoing IPL season, Australian cricketer Mitchell Marsh scored 72, 52, 0, and 60 runs, respectively. He is providing fiery starts with a strike rate of 160+. 

Varun Chakravarthy: Leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy is a key name in the KKR squad, who is currently in dream form with the ball. He has taken six wickets in four matches this IPL season, including taking three wickets in their last game against SunRisers Hyderabad. 

Top 3 Vice-captain choices

Sunil Narine: Caribbean cricketer Sunil Narine is still fighting hard to find his form. In this IPL season, his best performance is a 44-run knock as an opener in the first match of the tournament. He has also picked up two wickets in three matches this season. 

Andre Russell: Another KKR all-rounder Andre Russell hasn't produced his fiery batting performance yet as he hasn't managed double-digit scores in three innings of this tournament. However, in the last two games, Russell picked up two wickets each. 

Shardul Thakur: While KKR's top-order batting is struggling, LSG pacer Shardul Thakur will have an important role with the new ball. He has already taken seven wickets in four matches in the IPL 2025, including picking up two wickets in his first over of their first two matches of the season. 

IPL 2025 is just a mystery of turns where top-performing teams are dragged down to the bottom 4 positions and underperforming are playing some good cricket this season. That is why IPL has been such a fascinating game where it is unpredictable which team rise to the occasion. Well, the next game is played between the finalists of last season one is Sunrise Hyderabad and the other one is Kolkata Knight Riders. 
Kolkata won last year's final battle against Sunrises Hyderabad which was a dented final where SRH won the toss and elected to bat first that was the only thing that happened right to them after that it was totally bizarre where they just scored 116 runs only, losing all their wickets in the regular intervals. Kolkata won the match with 57 balls to spare and claimed their third title. But this time both team's fortunes have drastically changed. 
Read More: IPL 2025: Sunrises Hyderabad Playing 11 vs Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata and Hyderabad both the teams have won only one game in their 3 games which is quite adverse these two teams can change it but this can be changed if any team wins the match. Many players can just win the crunch moments of the game. 
1 Pat Cummins
 First on our list is the Australian skipper Pat Cummins who can make a huge difference with his all-round abilities He proved himself with bat and ball against LSG he hit 3 sixes in 3 balls and picked out two wickets in that match but unfortunately SRH lost the match but Pat Cummins all-round performance was appreciated through that match. SRH captain can be really dangerous too as his team has lost back-to-back games and, will definitely try hard to come out from these continuous defeats. 
Read More: IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders Playing 11 vs Sunrises Hyderabad
2. Andre Russell
 Dre Rus is the second man on our list who can create a big impact in this game as he did in last year's final where he picked three important wickets for Sunrishes batsmen from there the very for them was not yet possible. Same thing the Kolkata franchise would love to get back from him. Though his recent form is not great which is hurting Kolkata a lot, players like Russell just take one inning to turn around the match and who knows if it will win tomorrow against SRH.
3. Travis Head
 Australian opener Travis Head can be a game-changer if he gets ongoing. If you missed him at the start then it would be a danger sign for the opposite team. Head has been in good form in this season where he scored 65 runs at the opening game but couldn't go on much in the next two games as he got out early. It's better if you get him early if he stays long then it's going to be a headache for the opposition

Current defending Champions Kolkata Knight Riders had a great auction before the IPL 2025, though there were quite setbacks when Shreyas Iyer the former captain left the team for the credibility issues. However, the team had moved on from that and they replaced the same replica of the person who understood the game better. They bought Rahane at the cost of 1.5 crore which could be considered as the best deal of all. 

Read More: How To Buy RR Vs MI Match 50 Tickets - IPL 2025

The amount of experience Rahane posses in that camp is just invaluable. Retaining the core team and adversing the new talents strains Kolkata into the final 4 of this IPL edition too.In this edition there are players who can strom this IPL season with their innovative batting style. 

The first on our list is - 

1  Ajinkya Rahane

     Rahane might be considered as slow starter or carrier of the team but the recent form and the way he played in the previous season are the testiments that Rahane could be the x factor for Kolkata. From 2023 he has stellar performance for CSK where he had the strike rate of 199 and scored 209 runs comparing to last year it is quite impressive where he just possesed a strike rate of 103 and scoring just 133 runs. 

Rahane has improved a lot as a t20 player and the additional responsibility of captaincy would strive him more as player and enchance the confidence beneath him. 

2. Venkatesh Iyer

  Venkatesh Iyer has been the best opener for KKR where he debuted in 2021 where he had a stellar performance in 10 games scoring 350 runs where they finished as runners up in that season and Iyer established himself as prominent opener. He established himself in 2022 too where he had a good season but later suffering from injury he had to skip the next season. 

Read More: How To Buy Csk vs Punjab Kings Match 49 Tickets - IPL 2025

Iyer was back in 2024 he was not just back but was impactful then way earlier he just devasted the opening slot scoring 370 in that season with an average of 46.89 with a strike rate of 158. Yet it seems Iyer hasn't shown his full potential he may be a dangerous customer for other teams in this upcoming season. 

3. Andre Russell

 The muscle man is no need of introduction of his finishing abilities which he is been doing for KKR for years. If he stands on the ground that means any bowler in the world is small for him. He has played some of the crucial knocks which is never been expected. The type of pressure handling he does and range of hitting is quite insane.

He posses the strike rate of 170 at the death overs of the game. Where his valuable efforts are still in praise. In this season too he can create a huge impact with his all round abilities too which can help KKR to attain their fourth title. 

4. Manish Pandey

 Manish Pandey who started his career as an opener then later moved onto the middle order batsman. Started his career with Royal Challengers Banglore where stretched with Virat Kohli's stature though he had a good flow of runs too. But due to inconsistency he had to travel to many teams. Scoring runs was never an issue but the template of consistency has been lacking. 

In this season he has been picked by Kolkata once again for 75 Lakhs. He is considered as best middle order batsman for now who manages the role and this year without absence of Shreyas Iyer he can play the middle order role for the team. 

5. Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine the spin web and the pinch hitter of the team has gained widespread recognition where it all started with Gautam Gambhir who promoted him to the top order during his captaincy tenure in 2017, from there it was no looking back for Narine. With KKR he has won three titles from 2012,2014 and now it's 2024. He has won it in different phases which makes him more elite. There is no intro for his spin bowling which can be heavily handy. 

He can play the role of same all rounder for the team, that's what makes kolkata a dangerous side where their players posses both kind of talents so it kindly helps them to generate the game. 

These players are considered as the X factor for this season it would be epicable if they added some experienced coach pool too Csk Dwayne Bravo as bowling coach can be very handy that reciprocates KKR are on a hunt to retain their title. 

The West Indies T20I squad faces both setbacks and gains in their ongoing series against England. Star pacer Alzarri Joseph has returned from suspension to rejoin the team, replacing Shamar Joseph, while power-hitter Andre Russell will miss the remainder of the series due to a left ankle sprain, with Shamar Springer called in as his replacement. As England currently leads 2-0 in the five-match series, West Indies are left with no margin for error in their upcoming games in St Lucia.

Alzarri Joseph’s Return After Suspension

Alzarri Joseph’s brief absence was due to a two-match suspension following an on-field incident in the third ODI against England. Frustrated with field placements set by West Indies captain Shai Hope, Joseph walked off the field in protest, leaving the team one player short for part of the game. Joseph subsequently issued a public apology and reconciled with Hope, leading to his reinstatement. Now back with the squad, Joseph aims to bolster the West Indies bowling attack in the crucial remaining matches of the series.

Alzarri Joseph’s return adds strength to the West Indies’ bowling lineup just in time for the remainder of their T20I series against England. Joseph, who missed the last two matches due to a suspension, rejoins the squad after mending relations with captain Shai Hope. His suspension followed a controversial moment in the third ODI, where, in frustration with field placements, he briefly left the field, leaving West Indies with only ten players. Joseph later apologized, which cleared the way for his reentry into the squad. His return is a boost to the West Indies, who now need to win each of the remaining three T20I matches to keep their series hopes alive.

See Also: Sanju Samson's father blames former Indian captains for disappointing career

Andre Russell Sidelined, Shamar Springer Joins the Squad

Andre Russell’s exit due to a left ankle sprain is a significant setback for the West Indies team, as his power-hitting and experience are vital in the T20 format. Shamar Springer has been called up to replace Russell, bringing a fresh energy to the side. Russell’s injury comes at a challenging moment, with the team in a must-win situation for the remaining games.

Meanwhile, West Indies were dealt a blow with Andre Russell’s injury ruling him out for the series’ duration. Russell, a key figure for the team, suffered a left ankle sprain and will be replaced by Shamar Springer, who brings additional agility and youthful spirit to the team. The timing of Russell’s injury is unfortunate, as his experience would have been crucial in these pressure-filled matches.

The remaining matches, scheduled in St Lucia on November 14, 16, and 17, are critical for West Indies to keep their series hopes alive after England’s early 2-0 lead. With Alzarri Joseph’s return

A comical moment took place involving Travis Head and Andre Russell during the 2024 Major League Cricket (MLC) match between the Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) and Washington Freedom (WSF) at Morrisville on Sunday, July 14 as well. The veteran player was stunned to see his bat get broken and fly out of his hands as soon as he hit the ball to the mid-on region.

However, a short-of-length delivery from West Indies all-rounder Andre
Russell beat Travis Head for speed as the batter tried to play a pull shot. The bat flew from his hands towards the square leg umpire whereas the ball went to the mid-on region, which caused a surprised look on the Aussie batter’s face.

Here is the video:

SEE ALSO: ‘It’s coming home’ – Team India to reach New Delhi on Thursday

Travis Head scored a brilliant 32-ball 54

However, following the moment, Travis Head scored a brilliant 32-ball 54 with two fours and six sixes as well. Chasing a below-par total of 130 for the win, the 30-year-old ensured WSF faced no hiccups in between and reached the target in only 16 overs with eight wickets in hand. Head got the support from the skipper Steve Smith, who remained unbeaten on 42 from 36 deliveries.

However, it was Head’s first fifty of the competition, taking his overall
tally to 87 runs which came at an average of 29 and a strike rate of over 164 in four matches so far as well. Also, the win meant WSF remained unbeaten with a third win in as many completed games and a lone No Result so far as well.

Sitting at the top of the standings with 7 points in 4 outings and 3
games to go, WSF are almost certain for a top-four finish to reach
the playoffs. While Travis Head’s half-century made the headline of WSF’s run chase, a strong bowling show in the first innings also set the stage for their
win as well.

After winning the toss and electing to field first, WSF bowled LAKR out to 129 in 18.4 overs. USA’s Saurabh Netravalkar continued his stellar form from the 2024 T20 World Cup, finishing with the figures of 4/35 in 3.4 overs. He was ably supported by Glenn Maxwell (3/15) and Lockie Ferguson (2/31) as well.

West Indies captain Rovman Powell won the toss and opted to bowl first against Papua New Guinea in the opening Group C match of the T20 World Cup at the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday.

Papua New Guinea posted 136/8 in their T20 World Cup opener vs West Indies in Georgetown, on Sunday. Andre Russell and Alzarri Joseph bagged two-wicket hauls respectively as West Indies dominated in the first innings. Meanwhile, Sese Bau got a half-century, slamming 50 off 43 balls. Although they are two-time world champions, West Indies have dwindled in terms of their performance in ICC tournaments lately. But this time, they look strong and could be set for redemption. Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea is weak on paper, compared to the Windies, and also have an aging squad.

Sese Bau falls after fifty as PNG’s slide continues

But with experience, they could spring a surprise or two. Speaking ahead of the match, Windies captain Rovman Powell said, “If Andre Russell rocks up for any international team, you would definitely slot him within the team. That is no surprise to see Andre automatically slot into our team.

He comes with a wealth of experience and the good thing is he comes with additional confidence on the back of good performances in the IPL. We are definitely looking forward to Andre Russell being a significant part of our World Cup and hopefully, he can be a three-time World Cup champion after this.”

Meanwhile, PNG skipper Assad Vala said, “It means a lot to be playing amongst the best 20 teams in the world. We are going into games trying to win. We just don’t want to go out there and play for the sake of playing. As we are here to play the best cricket we can and the brand of cricket we know we can play.”

English batter Phil Salt showcased his power-hitting prowess in Kolkata Knight Riders’ ongoing IPL 2024 clash against Punjab Kings, smashing a blistering fifty.

Phil Salt’s Fifty and Dismissal

Phil Salt reached the fifty-run mark in just 25 deliveries, exhibiting aggressive batting against Punjab Kings’ bowling attack. However, his innings ended when Punjab’s stand-in captain, Sam Curran, clean bowled him with a toe-crushing yorker during the 13th over of KKR’s innings.

See Also: IPL 2024: Another blistering start from Narine-Salt against PBKS

Curran’s Remarkable Comeback

Sam Curran’s over started poorly, with Phil Salt hammering him for two successive sixes. However, Curran made a remarkable comeback, delivering a perfect yorker to uproot Salt’s off stump. Despite Salt’s aggressive response, Curran’s precise bowling effectively dismissed the dangerous batter. Philip Salt b Sam Curran 75(37) [4s-6 6s-6]

Salt’s Reaction to Dismissal

After getting out, Phil Salt expressed disappointment by slamming his head angrily while returning to the dugout. His frustration was evident, reflecting his desire to capitalize on the solid start he provided to KKR’s innings.

Records Set by Salt in IPL 2024

Phil Salt achieved a significant milestone in IPL 2024 by scoring 500 runs in the fewest balls among foreign batters. His feat places him among the elite in IPL history and highlights his impact as a dynamic opener for KKR.

Least balls taken to 500 runs in IPL by Foreign batters

260 – Glenn Maxwell
284 – Travis Head
294 – Andre Russell
297 – Phil Salt*
298 – Henrich Klaasen

Salt’s explosive innings and Sunil Narine’s contribution provided KKR with a dream start to their innings. Their aggressive batting set the tone for a formidable total, laying a solid foundation for the middle order to build upon.

KKR’s Highest Total in IPL 2024

Riding on scintillating knocks from Salt and Narine, KKR registered their highest Indian Premier League total in Kolkata during the IPL 2024 match against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens. The impressive batting display showcased KKR’s dominance in the game. PBKS need 262 to win the match in 20 overs.

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram recently shared some interesting insights into the unusual schedule followed by West Indies stars Sunil Narine and Andre Russell during the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Akram, who previously served as the bowling coach for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), revealed that Narine and Russell have a unique routine of staying awake all night and sleeping during the day while in India for the IPL.

This peculiar schedule is particularly notable given the significant time difference between India and the West Indies, with India being 9 hours and 30 minutes ahead.

“These guys sleep in the day during IPL and stay up whole night…”

Akram told, “When I was a part of KKR, I would wake up early for breakfast. Sunil Narine came for breakfast with swollen eyes. I asked him, ‘Hey mate! What’s happening?’ I tried for a West Indies accent, but it did not come out that way. It sounded like a British or Aussie accent (laughs).”

“So, yeah, I asked him why he looked tired. He said I haven’t slept. I said what do you mean I haven’t slept. He said I am on West Indies time. I asked him to explain. Sunil said he stays up at night and sleeps in the day. Even Andre Russell, I think he does the same thing. These guys sleep in the day during IPL and stay up whole night,” he added.

Despite their unconventional routine, Narine and Russell have been key players for the KKR franchise. Narine, especially, has been instrumental under the leadership of his former teammate Gautam Gambhir.

Both create impact in the team

In the first seven matches of the IPL season, Narine has showcased his versatility by not only excelling with the ball but also by opening the batting for KKR. He has scored an impressive 286 runs at an average of 40.86 and a strike rate of 176.54, while also picking up 9 wickets with an economy rate of 7.11.

See Also: What RCB’s IPL 2024 playoff chances look like?

Meanwhile, Russell has also made significant contributions with both bat and ball for KKR. In seven games, he has scored 155 runs at an average of 51.67 and a strike rate of 184.52, in addition to claiming 9 wickets. Narine and Russell’s unorthodox approach to their daily schedule hasn’t hindered their performance on the field, as they continue to play pivotal roles for KKR in the IPL.