Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra hailed Andre Russell after Kolkata Knight Riders registered a thrilling one-run win against Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata in the ongoing IPL 2025 on Sunday.
Russell, who wasn’t amongst the runs, got off to a slow start against the inaugural champions, managing only two runs off just nine balls. However, the hard-hitter was able to change gears as he smashed 57 runs off just 25 balls. The right-hander scored four fours and six sixes in his blistering knock as he helped KKR post 206 runs on the board.
“KKR did a good job this time. They were going sort of okay as the total was 80-odd after 10 overs, but then they sent Andre Russell in the 13th over itself. Then Andre showed why they should give him more balls. Our throats had gone sore asking you to make him bat and play more balls,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
The renowned commentator noted that Russell had not faced many deliveries before the match against RR.
“He had played 55 balls in total before this match. Total 55 balls till the 10th game mark, not good enough. I wasn’t getting a chance to say ‘Andre andar gend baahar.’ He hit sixes and took them to the cleaners. Rinku Singh also contributed, but Andre Russell, the batter, has finally arrived in the IPL, and he has come at a good time,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chopra reckons KKR can win their next two matches against out-of-form CSK and SRH to keep their playoffs alive.
“KKR are at No. 6 at the moment. They were at No. 7 before this match. LSG have now already slipped to No. 7. KKR’s remaining matches are good match-ups. CSK at home, they can beat them, considering CSK’s form, although they played well in the last match. SunRisers Hyderabad, it’s an away game, but it’s SunRisers Hyderabad. They can be caught,” he said.
Adding further, the former KKR player said the final league stage match against RCB could decide Ajinkya Rahane’s team playoffs fate.
“Their last match could be the decider, because if they reach 15 points, they would need two points in the last match against RCB. They can get to 17, and 17 might just be enough. They started the season with a loss against them, and if they end it with a win, you never know what story this team is scripting,” Chopra observed.
KKR will next take on Chennai Super Kings at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Wednesday.
