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"He's Here Only By Reputation" Saba Karim Questions Andre Russell's Role In KKR

Akshita Patel

Andre Russell in action (Source: AP Photos)Andre Russell in action (Source: AP Photos)

KKR faced a humiliating defeat against PBKS in IPL 2025 when they failed to chase the 112-run target to get bowled out for 95. Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Saba Karim has pinned the blame on all-rounder Andre Russell and questioned his impact on KKR.

In this embarrassing 16-run loss, Andre Russell was dismissed for just 17 off 11 balls, and that wicket crushed any hope of a KKR comeback. While Russell smashed 16 runs off Yuzvendra Chahal’s over, his costly mistake against Jansen sent him packing.

As Russell continued to reel under bad form, former Indian cricketer Saba Karim has raised questions on his competency.

Saba Karim Raises Question On Andre Russell’s Impact

Despite Andre Russell’s short cameo, Saba Karim feels Russell has not done enough in recent years for KKR. He added that KKR have continued to show faith in Russell, retaining him before mega auctions, but his numbers since 2019 haven’t been great. 

"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-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.

The all-rounder had a poor season in 2020, a good all-round run in 2022, and average performances in 2024. In IPL 2025 so far, his batting has not clicked, although he has taken wickets with the ball. Karim believes that Russell is still in the KKR team mainly because of his past reputation, not his recent 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," he added.

Ajinkya Rahane Accepts Blame Of KKR's Embarrassing Collapse

In what turned out to be one of the most shocking results of IPL 2025, KKR faced a dramatic collapse against PBKS, failing to chase down a modest target of 112. Captain Ajinkya Rahane didn’t shy away from responsibility, publicly owning up to his mistake after the defeat. He added that although the bowling department did a great job of keeping PBKS to such a low score, the batting order didn't perform, himself included.