Andre Russell finally activated his beast mode for a power pack, an unbeaten 57 off just 25. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), near to exit from IPL 2025, suddenly displayed a clutch performance in the Eden Gardens against Rajasthan Royals (RR).

Russell went wild against RR bowlers, hammering four boundaries and six over boundaries to strengthen his strike rate to 228. It was an absolutely entertaining innings for the fans present in the stadium and who were watching the innings on screen.

KKR, the defending champion, was struggling to maintain their momentum from the beginning of the tournament; now they are likely to find their mojo, which can justify their champion status. Russell's innings came at the right time when their skipper, Ajinkya Rahane, lost their wicket for 33 and a well-set Angkrish Raghuvanshi was on the crease.

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Raghuvanshi and Russell drove KKR's innings like an F1 car and helped the home team to near 200. Later, a blistering cameo by Rinku Singh (19* runs, 6 balls) took his team to cruise past the double hundred mark. Kolkata Knight Riders posted 206 runs in exchange for only 4 wickets.

A six with a flicker of wrists

Russell accomplished his half-century in style by taking on Jofra Archer for a maximum. Archer delivered a knee-high full toss to the Caribbean's leg; Russell beautifully guided the ball over the boundary ropes using his wrist. 

Watch now Russell achieved his 50

He. Is. HIMMM 🔥pic.twitter.com/S8IRXPcJF6

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) May 4, 2025

Akash Madhwal proved to be the most expensive bowler of the match for Rajasthan Royals, having rendered a total of 50 runs in 3 overs. 

Watch Russell-muscle against Akash Madhwal

Andre Russell at No.5 or No.4 is the key 🔑

You have finishers like Rinku and Ramandeep, so why not use Russell in middle overs to boost the strike rate.

Rahane can open too, Angkrish can be used at 4 or first down.

pic.twitter.com/vGbQM4vios

— atif.reds (@atifreds) May 4, 2025

𝙍𝙪𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙖 𝙖𝙩 𝙀𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙂𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙨 💪

Display of brute force from #KKR's very own Andre Russell 💥

Updates ▶ https://t.co/wg00ni9CQE#TATAIPL | #KKRvRR | @Russell12A pic.twitter.com/YfXiU3dF6h

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 4, 2025