Feeling like 27: Andre Russell proves age just a number with 25-ball 57 for KKR vs RR
Andre Russell proved that age is just a number, smashing his first fifty of the IPL 2025 season in a crunch game for Kolkata Knight Riders against Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens on Sunday, 4 May. Russell thrilled the Kolkata crowd with an unbeaten 57 off just 25 balls, propelling the Knight Riders to 206 in their 20 overs.Russell, 37, had been going through a lean patch in IPL 2025, having scored just 72 runs in KKR's first 10 matches. Questions were raised about his place in the side and KKR's decision to retain him at this stage of his career, but the big-hitting West Indies star silenced his critics in style. | IPL 2025, KKR vs RR Updates |advertisementRussell did not lose patience despite struggling to get going against the spinners after walking in as early as the 13th over, batting at No. 5. The big-hitter was going cautiously at 2 off 9 deliveries before launching into Aakash Madhwal in the 16th over. Rajasthan Royals missed a trick by not handing their best bowler, Jofra Archer, an over while Russell was still searching for rhythm.
When Archer was finally introduced in the 17th over, Russell was in the mood to go big, dispatching the England fast bowler for a six and a boundary. He then climbed into Maheesh Theekshana, smashing the Sri Lankan spinner for three consecutive sixes in the 18th over.Russell did not get much of the strike in the final over but was happy to see Rinku Singh dealing in boundaries and pushing the total beyond 200.advertisement"I think age is just a number - still feeling like 27, happy with the performance tonight," Russell said.Watch out for your heads, it's raining sixes! #AndreRussell steps up when it matters as he brings up a crucial fifty right on cue for #KKR in this crunch #Race2Playoffs clash!Watch the LIVE action https://t.co/jVhilCLfc6#IPLonJioStar #KKRvRR | LIVE NOW on pic.twitter.com/UQLXfiQzEm— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 4, 2025"I was worried when I looked at the scoreboard - I was 2 off 8 deliveries. I never worry about dot balls, but I realised the wicket was gripping. I didn't want to take risks against Theekshana at the start, so when he came back to bowl, I took him on," he added.Russell's experience was on full display as the senior campaigner did not allow the slow start to cause panic. In the end, KKR benefited from the decision to send Russell higher up the order, as he sent some good deliveries into the stands.Russell also made a subtle request to the team management, saying he is more than just a finisher and that spending more time in the middle actually helps him get his eye in and go big."I never worry about dot balls, but I realised the wicket was gripping. I didn't want to take risks against Theekshana at the start, so when he came back to bowl, I took him on. Spinners were on; my strong point is to get after the spinners as much as possible. They were bowling in good areas - Hasaranga was also bowling well - so I didn't want to take them on early. The wicket was a bit slow, it was gripping. I enjoy this role - the more overs I have, the more impact I can make," he added.advertisementKKR lost Sunil Narine early, but they got a solid knock of 35 off 25 from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Captain Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi then stitched together a 42-run partnership to set up a strong platform for Russell to go big.Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!Must Watch
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