“Another 2-3 Cycles”: Andre Russell Eyes Long-Term IPL Future with KKR

Under-pressure Jamaican star Andre Russell on Sunday quieted his critics by hitting a match-winning score and his teammate Varun Chakravarthy confirmed that the seasoned all-rounder is eager to keep playing in the IPL for “easily six more years.” Russell, who recently turned 37, was under the radar for his inconsistent batting this season following his retention by defending champions for Rs 12 crore in a three-year contract prior to the mega auction. With only 72 runs in seven innings at an average of 10.28, four single-digit scores, doubts were slowly being raised concerning his place within the team.

Match-Winning Performance at Eden Gardens

But on Sunday, the Jamaican rewound the clock with a scorching unbeaten 57 off 25 balls, propelling KKR to 206/4 in a do-or-die encounter at Eden Gardens. The hosts went on to defeat Rajasthan Royals by a single run in a heart-stopping finish to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Andre Russell Wants to Play for Six More Years

“As far as I have spoken to him and interacted with him, he still wants to play another 2-3 cycles of IPL which is easily six more years,” Chakravarthy said of Andre Russell in the post-match media interaction.

A one-cycle term was used to mean three seasons in between mega auctions, so Andre Russell is looking to remain with KKR deep into his 40s if his form and fitness allow.

“He looks fine and fit. It doesn’t matter how old you are. If you are able to contribute to the team, that’s enough. In franchise cricket, they are not going to question you,” said Chakravarthy.

Andre Russell Can Hammer Spin Too

Andre Russell, elevated up the batting order, was struggling against spin at first, managing just 2 from his first 9 balls, as Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga restricted him tightly.

But Chakravarthy put an end to speculation that Russell is a limited batsman who only performs against pace.

“I feel it was his choice. He made that choice not to attack the spinners. But that’s not the truth, as in he can’t hit spin. He can hammer spin. We have seen it before and even in the nets when we practice, he can hammer that. But he took a different approach today that was very smart on him and congratulations to him.”

Chakravarthy’s Seam-Up Surprise

Chakravarthy, who played a crucial role in the win with two wickets in an over to break Rajasthan Royals’ momentum and returned figures of 2/32, also revealed that he has been working on a new seam-up delivery—something he used to good effect in the Powerplay against India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.

“I started working on it just before the Champions Trophy so that I can bring something new because I end up bowling the Powerplay, so the ball is more newer and can swing,” he explained.

“So I just thought I can bowl one or two balls that can swing in and out. So that was the thought behind it,” added Chakravarthy who was India’s leading wicket-taker with nine scalps in their victorious Champions Trophy campaign earlier in March.

Knockout Mindset for KKR’s Playoff Hopes

With five wins from 11 games, KKR now must win all three of their remaining matches to stand a chance of making the playoffs. Chakravarthy said the team has adopted a knockout mindset.

“We have to win all the matches so it becomes knockouts for us. We have the mindset that we have to win five knockout matches every game is a knockout game, we have to bring our A-game here. Good that we have got a win.”

“Such wins will give us momentum and self-belief that we can pull off tight matches, and this is exactly what we needed at this time. So, from here, I am hopeful that we can pull off the next three matches. We have done it before. So, no excuses from us.”