Andre Russell Powers KKR to One-Run Win, Varun Chakaravarthy Reveals Big Update on His IPL Future

Andre Russell lit up Eden Gardens with a stunning unbeaten 57 off 25 balls on Sunday, helping Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinch a thrilling one-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their IPL 2025 clash. KKR stayed alive in the playoff race, while RR were officially knocked out.

Russell’s Late Onslaught Changes the Game

Russell walked in to bat earlier than usual and began cautiously. He scored only two runs from his first eight balls. But from the 16th over, he switched gears. He took on Akash Madhwal, hitting him for two fours and a six. In the next over, he smacked Jofra Archer for a six and a four.

The 18th over turned the game in KKR’s favor. Facing Maheesh Theekshana, Russell unleashed his power. He ended the over with three massive sixes. KKR collected 23 runs from that over.

Archer came back in the 19th over and dismissed Angkrish Raghuvanshi on the first ball. But Russell was unfazed. On the fourth ball, he pulled Archer for a six to complete his first fifty of the season. He followed it up with a four.

Rinku Singh took charge in the final over and hammered two sixes and a four. KKR finished with 206 for 4 in 20 overs. Russell stayed unbeaten at 57, while Rinku remained not out at 19 off just 6 balls.

Vaibhav Arora Holds Nerve in Final Over

Rajasthan Royals started strong in the chase but stumbled in the final overs. Young KKR pacer Vaibhav Arora bowled a tense last over. RR needed 10 runs off the last six balls but fell short by one run. Arora kept his cool and defended the total.

Chakaravarthy Reveals Russell’s IPL Plans

After the match, KKR spinner Varun Chakaravarthy dropped a major update about Russell’s future in the IPL.

“As far as I’ve spoken to him and interacted with him, he still wants to play another two or three cycles of the IPL – which is easily six more years,” said Chakaravarthy. “He looks fine and fit. It doesn’t matter how old you are, as long as you’re contributing to the team. That’s the mindset. In franchise cricket, no one’s going to question that.”

Russell, who is 37 years old, has been a key part of KKR’s success over the years. His match-winning knock against RR showed he still has plenty to offer.

With five wins and five defeats, KKR now sit sixth on the points table and continue their push for a playoff spot.

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