The Kolkata Knight Riders had one of the most unpredictable seasons last year, and while several issues contributed to their inconsistency, one factor stood out clearly: the under-utilisation of Andre Russell.
For a player who is arguably the most destructive all-rounder in T20 cricket, KKR’s approach bordered on wasteful — and a big part of that came down to Ajinkya Rahane’s conservative captaincy.
Russell wasn’t just under-bowled.
He wasn’t just pushed down the batting order.
He was simply not used like the match-winner he has always been.
And it cost KKR. Big time.
KKR Failed to Use Russell Properly — Neither as a Batter nor a Bowler
For a team that desperately needed impact players, it was baffling to see KKR hold Andre Russell back across multiple matches.
He often walked in when the match was already drifting away, or when he had too many overs to cover with too little time.
Similarly, with the ball, Russell — one of the best wicket-taking all-rounders in IPL history — barely bowled full spells. Instead, KKR kept shuffling lesser-experienced bowlers during crunch phases.
This wasn’t just poor planning.
It was poor captaincy.
And it showed most clearly when KKR finally corrected their mistake in two matches.
When Russell Was Promoted, He Delivered Instantly
In the few games where KKR allowed Russell to bat earlier, he did exactly what the world knows he can do — change a match in minutes.
38 vs CSK
A blistering knock where Russell smashed boundaries for fun, giving KKR rare momentum in the middle overs.
57 vs RR
This innings reminded everyone of the game-changer he truly is — clean hitting, smart strike rotation, and total domination.
These two knocks were proof that the biggest mistake KKR made last season was not giving Russell enough balls to face.
When he walked in earlier, the scoreboard changed instantly.
When he walked in late, the match was already gone.
Andre Russell’s Potential Is Too Big to Waste
Even today, few players in world cricket combine Russell’s three qualities:
1⃣ Power-hitting like no one else
His six-hitting ability alone can boost his salary at any IPL auction.
Teams know that even 20 balls from Russell can be match-winning.
2⃣ Handy medium-pace with wicket-taking instincts
He doesn’t look threatening — until he gets going.
Russell has a habit of breaking partnerships with deceptive pace and smart angles.
3⃣ Experience to read match situations
Across leagues worldwide, Russell has played almost every role:
finisher, enforcer, floater, death-overs bowler, and even crisis manager.
For a captain who knows how to use him well, Russell is a complete package.
KKR’s Blunder Could Cost Them Again
Ajinkya Rahane is a brilliant Test cricketer and a calm presence, but T20 captaincy demands instinct, aggression, and flexibility — none of which were visible in KKR’s strategy with Russell.
Holding back your biggest match-winner…
Not using him with the ball…
Sending him in only when the game is slipping…
These mistakes repeatedly hurt KKR’s momentum last season.
And unless the team’s management realises how important Russell is, they risk wasting one more season of a player who can single-handedly turn a franchise’s future around.
Final Take — Russell Deserves Better
Andre Russell is still one of the most valuable T20 players on the planet.
A proper role, a clear plan, and flexible captaincy can unlock the Russell everyone fears.
KKR’s failure to use him properly last year was more than a tactical error — it was a blunder that changed the season’s direction.
If used correctly, Russell’s:
explosive batting
wicket-taking knack
and all-round presence
make him a franchise-defining player.
KKR can either fix their mistake…
or risk losing the biggest match-winner they have ever had.
