IPL 2025: 'Hardly Done Anything of Note' - Former India Cricketer's Blunt Take on Andre Russell's Contributions

Former India cricketer Saba Karim didn't mince words regarding Andre Russell's recent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), stating that the Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder has consistently fallen short of expectations.

Although Russell kept KKR alive in their run chase against Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 match 31 on Tuesday (April 15), the Caribbean failed to carry his team across the line in their run chase of 112 at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh.

Russell's dismissal for 17 off 11 balls was the final nail in the coffin as KKR's collapse at 62 ended at 95, resulting in their 16-run loss for the defending champions. Following the match, ex India stumper Saba Karim called out Russell for his poor showing with the bat for several seasons now.

KKR showed faith in the West Indies all-rounder, and retained his services ahead of the two previous mega auction although his numbers do not read that well since 2019.

After a relatively poor season in 2020, he had a strong comeback in 2022 with both bat and ball. While he has had impactful innings, his consistency hasn't been the same as his peak years.

His bowling has remained a valuable asset for Kolkata Knight Riders, consistently picking up wickets. The 2024 season saw a good all-round performance, while his performance in the initial matches of IPL 2025 has been below his usual standards with the bat, though he has contributed with the ball.

Saba Karim believes he has compensated with the ball, but added that KKR retained him for impactful performances with both bat and ball, and the West Indies star has done hardly anything of note in recent seasons.

"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," Saba Karim said when speaking exclusively on Kuhl Fans Match Centre Live on JioHotstar.

"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.

"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."