Two of Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) core cricketers' recent performances raise concerns among the franchise followers. In the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2025), for KKR's sister concern, Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), Andre Russell and Sunil Narine failed to live up to their marks. Which might be noted by KKR officials as well.

Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, where the former champion side will be in shot to reinforce their firepower, Narine and Russell's long-lyingform may come as a hovering perturb. In CPL 2025, the pace bowling all-rounder, Andre Russell, who already played his last T20I for the West Indies, scored only 61 runs in 6 innings, including a high of 27. 

Like his batting stats, his bowling stats are also looking cold and not suggestive enough for IPL standards. For TKR, he claimed only 9 wickets in 8 matches at an economy rate of 10.47. Before CPL, Russell played for Major League Cricket (MLC) Los Angeles Knight Riders. There too, his performance was below par. 

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Should KKR release Andre Russell and Sunil Narine?

And Sunil Narine, who started his career as a mystery spinner, later turned into an opener for Kolkata Knight Riders, also perhaps moving towards sunset. In CPL 2025, for TKR, he bagged only 6 wickets in 10 matches, which is way lower than his prime. Though his economy rate is below 6, which is rare in T20 cricket. In CPL, Narine mainly contributes as a bowler, not as a batter, so here his CPL 2025 batting stats may not be appropriate. 

The spinner's MLC 2025 was also unimpressive. In 6 matches he got only 3 scalps with his name. He went to bat three times and bagged a total of 27 runs. With these stats, both Russell and Narine can cause headaches for KKR team management. 

It was a very poor previous edition for the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 as they ended at the penultimate position among six franchises in the points table during the previous season of the tournament. Pretoria faced just one victory in the last six encounters of the event, which came against the Johannesburg Super Kings by six wickets.

Pretoria came into the auction of SA20 for the 2025/26 season of the competition with the biggest purse of R32.5 million as they had 16 slots to fill, including four overseas slots and a couple of under-23 slots. As soon as Dewald Brevis came into the bid, they raised their paddle and nearly kept it high in the air till bagging the batter’s rights for R16.50 million.

See Also: SA20 2025/26: Full list of players and captain for MI Cape Town

Pretoria also went after the left-arm Protea pacer, Nandre Burger, but they had to back out when the Johannesburg Super Kings matched their R6.3 million price, using the RTM card. They are also scoping Keshav Maharaj, the veteran off-spinner of the side, along with Lungi Ngidi, who plays his domestic cricket in Centurion at the SuperSport Park.

SA20 2025/26: Full list of players and captain of Pretoria Capitals

Pretoria now has a strong-looking bowling attack of Codi Yousuf, Craig Overton, Lizaad Williams, and Saqib Mahmood. They had already made the wild-card entry of the experienced wild-card signing of West Indies’ Andre Russell, who will bring incredible balance in the squad along with Will Jacks and Sherfane Rutherford.

Late in the evening, Pretoria also had Will Smeed, which makes it a powerful batting line-up. The only issue for them could prove to be bowling on a small Centurion ground, where the ball tends to fly a lot in the shortest format. Saqib Mahmood and Craig Overton will also bring international experience into the line-up.

Pretoria Capitals

Wild Card: Andre Russell

Pre-signing: Sherfane Rutherford and Will Jacks.

Auction: Keshav Maharaj (R1.7 million), Lungi Ngidi (R2.3 million), Dewald Brevis (R16.5 million), Lizaad Williams (R2.4 million), Craig Overton (R1 million), Saqib Mahmood (R1.5 million), Codi Yusuf (R225,000), Connor Esterhuizen (R3.2 million), Bryce Parsons (R1.9 million), Gideon Peters (R400,000), Junaid Dawood (R200,000), Will Smeed (R200,000), Meeka-eel Prince (R200,000), Bayanda Majola (R200,000), Wihan Lubbe (R200,000), Sibonelo Makhanya (R200,000)

The blazing century against South Africa has increased hype around Cameron Green ahead of the mini auction of IPL 2026. After playing IPL 2023 and IPL 2024, the Australian all-rounder missed the previous Indian Premier League edition.

Multiple teams in IPL 2025 lacked an overseas all-rounder department. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the former champion, also face issues from this part of their squad. Andre Russell, the seasoned all-rounder for KKR, is now well over his prime days and took retirement from T20Is at the age of 37. KKR needs to find a proper replacement for the pace bowling all-rounder. Cameron Green can be a like-for-like substitution—a pace bowling all-rounder in place of another pace bowling all-rounder.

Green has so far participated in only two IPL seasons, and those two campaigns were incredible for him in terms of individual stats. In IPL 2023, the Aussie played for the Mumbai Indians and generated a batting average of 50.22 in 16 innings, powered by an unbeaten century. In total, he scored 452 runs for the Mumbai-based team.

Read More: Rohit Sharma vice-captain, Virat Kohli at number 3: Daren Sammy selects Dream T20 11

Why KKR should consider Green in place of Russell?

In the following season, Green moved to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and hit 255 runs in 12 innings; 31.87 was his batting average. He got notable success with the ball too. In total, the emerging all-rounder clinched 16 wickets in 29 IPL matches. KKR should secure the service of Cameron Green because he is only 26 years old, can hit the ball, and can take wickets as well.

Andre Russell has been associated with KKR for over 10 years. He played for other Knight Riders-acquired teams too. His previous IPL season for the Kolkata Knight Riders was not something to brag about. In 10 innings, the West Indian scored 167 runs in total at an average of 18.55. His bowling numbers were also unimpressive. In 9 IPL 2025 innings, the all-rounder claimed 8 wickets but proved costly, as his economy rate was 11.94—the poorest economy rate of his entire IPL career.

Major League Cricket is getting a lot of traction these days as some of the best T20 performers are participating in the tournament. The third edition of this League recently concluded, but it is witnessing an impressive rise in its popularity. The 2025 season witnessed some intriguing contests between some of the best sides in the League. It also witnessed some of the best bowling performances from some of the best T20 bowlers in world cricket.

In this piece, we highlight about three bowlers who registered the best bowling figures by taking wickets during crucial moments of the game that changed the fate of a particular game. The bowlers mentioned in the list possessed different skills as far as their ability to adjust their length and variety as per different playing conditions and wickets, but they were the game changers for their respective sides. We discuss these bowlers in detail:

1.Mitchell Owen (5/17 - Washington Freedom vs San Francisco Unicorns- 29th of June 2025)

Mitchell Owen is among the upcoming talents in the Australian cricket set-up. The all-rounder impressed with his pace and clever seam movement. The 23-year-old caused problems for the batters with his slower ones.

He registered figures of 5/17 against San Francisco Unicorns on the 28th of June 2025, taking a crucial wicket of opener Matt Short. He claimed 14 wickets in the entire season. The right-arm medium pacer took crucial wickets when needed for Washington Freedom. His performance helped Washington Freedom win by 12 runs.

2.Adam Milne (5/23- Texas Super Kings vs Seattle Orcas-6th of July 2025)

The New Zealand pacer bowled brilliantly against Seattle Orcas on the 6th of July 2025, where his pace and bounce were too hot to handle for the Seattle Orcas batters. The 33-year-old pacer registered figures of 5/23 for Texas Super Kings against Seattle Orcas on the 6th of July 2025.

His length, combined with his late swing, troubled the Seattle Orcas batters. Texas Super Kings scored 188/5 in 20 overs batting first, and Milne's performance helped TSK win by 51 runs at the Central Broward Regional Park, Lauderhill, Florida. He claimed 14 wickets in the entire season. Milne took the crucial wicket of former Australian opener David Warner.

Also Read: Australia confirm playing XI for 1st T20I against West Indies as PBKS batter set to debut

3.Trent Boult (4/17- Mumbai Indians New York vs Los Angeles Knight Riders- 3rd July 2025)

The former New Zealand pacer showed excellent bowling performances under pressure, taking key wickets at regular intervals with his swing and pace. His ability to swing the ball both ways is amazing. 

Boult registered figures of 4/17 for the Mumbai Indians New York against the Los Angeles Knight Riders on the 3rd of July 2025 at Central Broward Regional Park, Lauderhill, Florida. Mumbai Indians won the match chasing a target of 155 by 8 wickets. He claimed crucial wickets of Unmukt Chand and Andre Russell. Boult showed his experience during pressure situations,Mitchell  claiming 15 wickets in the entire season..

Just before the start of the five-match T20I series for the West Indies against Australia, the veteran all-rounder, Andre Russell, announced that the second T20I clash of the series in Jamaica will be his last international encounter in the Maroon. It was a bolt from the blue decision for the experienced campaigner, especially with just six months to go for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. 

On July 22 (July 23 on IST), Andre Russell walked out before the start of the game with a guard of honour as all the players from both camps clapped in appreciation of the incredible contribution from the individual. It was my massive evening in the West Indies, which they called Dre Day, and he received a great moment alongside the warm applause.

See Also: Shubman Gill reveals real story of sledging England during ENG vs IND 3rd Test at Lord's

The 37-year-old finished his T20I career with 1122 runs at a strike rate of 163.8- thanks to three half-centuries at the best score of 71 runs. With the ball, on the other hand, the right-arm pacer picked up 61 wickets in 74 innings at an average of 31.19 and an economy rate of well over nine.

Watch: Guard of honour for Andre Russell on retirement from international cricket

Russell was brutal with the bat in the evening as he smacked Ben Dwarshuis for a huge six straight down the ground as the ball made a hold in the sight screen. When the left-arm pacer pulled the length back, the batter used his power to drill it behind the square region for another six. Another wide delivery was put into the stands as he finished with 36 runs in just 15 balls at a strike rate of 240.

Dre Russ takes his final walk in the Maroon🌴 , honored by teammates, hailed by fans🙌🏾 and etched forever in West Indies Cricket Legend.🏏✌🏾💥 #WIvAUS | #DreDay | #FullAhEnergy pic.twitter.com/bUBKXO92MP

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 23, 2025

‘I remember the two World Cups we won, the flags going high, but at the end of the day - I think it was time to move ahead, we have a good bunch of guys (in the team), Shephard is throwing some punches and there are the likes of Rutherford, Alzarri and Holder as well.’ He expressed after the end of the game.

Despite Russell’s knock, the West Indies could finish with only 172/8 in 20 overs before the visitors chased it down comfortably with eight wickets in hand and nearly five overs to spare. Josh Inglis won the ‘player of the match’ award for his 78 unbeaten runs in 33 balls.

Another glorious chapter is approaching its conclusion. West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell is all set to say goodbyeto international cricket. As per reports, with the opening two games of the five-match T20I series against Australia at home, the 37-year-old will be retiring. Throughout his illustrious career, the big man gifted the West Indies multiple memorable innings. Through this article, we will derive the TOP 5 memorable moments of Andre Russell for his nation.

TOP 5 memorable moments of Andre Russell for West Indies:

92* vs India, ODI:

On June 11, 2011, Andre Russell registered his best innings in ODI cricket for the West Indies against India. In a low-scoring match, when Munaf Patel and Amit Mishra claimed 3 wickets each, Andre Russell displayed his individual brilliance by scoring an unbeaten 92 off 64 deliveries. During this innings, he struck eight times for 4s and took the aerial path 5 times to smash over boundaries. Despite this heroic knock from the all-rounder, West Indies, the home team, managed to post only 225 runs on the scoreboard, which India chased down in 46.2 overs with 3 wickets in hand. 

71 vs Australia, T20I:

Thanks to Andre Russell’s 71-run innings, West Indies got 220 runs on the scoreboard at Parth on February 13, 2024. The West Indies won the match against Australia by 37 runs. Russell in the match scored 71 runs against 29 deliveries, with the strike rate ticking slightly over 244. During his jaw-dropping innings, the giant from Jamaica hammered four boundaries and seven over boundaries. Chasing the huge target, Aussies were restricted to 183 for 5, and West Indies registered a comfortable win.

Read More: Top 5 memorable moments of Andre Russell for Kolkata Knight Riders

51 vs England, T20I:

It was a high-scoring match at Tarouba. Phil Salt’s 119 takes England to 267 runs in 20 overs. In reply, West India managed to get only 192. Nicholas Pooran, Sherfane Rutherford, and Andre Russell tried hard to chase down the mammoth. In the process, Russell produced one of his best knocks for the West Indies. In 25 balls, he scored 51 runs, with help from three 4s and five 6s. The strike rate was above 204.00.

51 vs Australia, 2021, T20I:

A big win for the West Indies; Andre Russell played a big part in the match. He went on to score 51 off 28 at Gros Islet. Batting first, West Indies managed to hold only 145 for 6. But that was enough to defeat the home team. During the power-hitting innings, Russell thrashed 3 boundaries and five over boundaries. The West Indies won the match by 18 runs.

 64* vs South Africa. ODI:

It was a close battle between the West Indies and South Africa at Gqeberha; the West Indies won the match by only 1 wicket, chasing a target of 263. Russell showed his all-round skills in the match by taking one wicket and an unbeaten 64 off 40 balls. When South African bowlers were putting pressure on WI’s middle order, Russell stood tall and delivered. With five 4s and five 6s. Daren Sammy and Marlon Samuels played significant roles in the match.

Another glorious chapter is approaching its conclusion. West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell is all set to say good bye to international cricket. As per reports, with the opening two games of the five-match T20I series against Australia at home, the 37-year-old will be retiring. Apart from his career with the national team, the all-rounder’s career is vastly described through various T20 franchise leagues. Russell’s T20 cricket journey can’t be described without the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). With this IPL team, the giant played multiple match-turning innings. Through this article we will explore the top 5 memorable moments from the West Indies star for KKR.

TOP 5 memorable moments of Andre Russell in IPL with KKR:

70* vs Punjab Kings, IPL 2022:

 It was a low-scoring IPL 2022 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Kolkata Knight Riders. Punjab was only restricted to 137. The target was not a big one, but the fall of early wickets put Kolkata under pressure. KKR lost their 4 wickets only for 56. From there the Russell show began. He came and smashed 70 runs off just 31 deliveries with 8 huge over boundaries to end the game with 33 deliveries to spare. This can be easily considered as one of Andre’s best innings for the multi-time IPL champion team.

 88* vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2018:

 A pure example of power hitting. KKR, batting first, posted 202 runs on the scoreboard when Russell, at his prime, hoisted deliveries all over the park to score 88 against 36 balls, powered by 11 sixes and just 1 boundary. But sadly, this monstrous effort came for a losing cause. Chennai Super Kings eventually won the game, thanks to Sam Billings. Beyond the result of the match, the innings from Russell will always remain in the record book.

Read More: Untold story of Jasprit Bumrah's 'odd action' revealed ahead of ENG vs IND 4th Test

 51 runs and 1 wicket vs Kings XI Punjab, IPL 2015:

Chasing a target of 184, KKR was in deep trouble. Wickets were falling at regular intervals when Russell stepped into the crease with a bat after claiming a wicket in the later part of the first innings. The swashbuckling batter came into the ground with the blade to amass a 21-ball, 51-run innings with the help of four sixes to help KKR win the game by 1 wicket with 1 delivery to spare.

48 vs. Gujarat Titans, 2019:

A nicely poised match at DY Patil Stadium could be concluded in a different manner if Andre Russell and Alzarri Joseph remained wicketless. Chasing a target of 157, the KKR batting line-up tumbled. Andre Russell’s wicket proved decisive when he departed for 48 from only 25 deliveries. Maintaining a strike rate of 192.00, he smashed 6 over boundaries and one boundary to make the match more entertaining. After losing his wicket, KKR was not able to hold the momentum and lost the match. 

5/15 vs. Mumbai Indians, 2021:

On Apr 13, 2021, Andre Russell’s spellbinding bowling spell pushed Mumbai Indians on their back foot for a while. In his 2-over spell, the all-rounder bagged 5 wickets for only 15 runs and restricted MI to 152 at Chennai. But the lackluster batting effort by KKR allowed Mumbai Indians to win the game by 10 runs. Apart from the openers, Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana, no other Knight Riders batter got a double-digit score aside from their names.

The West Indies' explosive all-rounder, Andre Russell, has made the announcement he will retire from international cricket after playing the first two T20Is against Australia. The matches will be played at Russell's home ground, Sabina Park, Jamaica. The series begins on July 20th, heralding Russell's departure after a terrific international career, which included his rise to becoming one of the game's most explosive T20 players of his generation.

Russell, now 37, played 84 T20Is for the West Indies, scoring 1078 runs and taking 61 wickets. While he last played ODI cricket in 2019, his impact in the shortest format of the game continued from then, including his key roles at the T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2016 when the West Indies lifted the trophy. Russell also played one Test and 56 ODIs in international cricket.

“Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life,” Russell said. “I want to finish my international career on a high while being a role model for the next generation of cricketers coming out of the Caribbean.”

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] Jemimah Rodrigues' stunning catch sent set English captain back to pavilion in ENG W vs IND W 1st ODI

Russell to Retire as West Indies Look Ahead to 2026

Russell’s decision comes just seven months before the next T20 World Cup, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka in 2026. He becomes the second high-profile West Indian after Nicholas Pooran to step away from international cricket in recent weeks.

West Indies coach Daren Sammy paid tribute to Russell, calling him a “fierce competitor” whose hunger to win never wavered. Matthew Forde has been named as Russell’s replacement for the remainder of the Australia series. Meanwhile, teenager Jewel Andrew and pacer Jediah Blades have earned maiden T20I call-ups. Andrew impressed during CPL 2024, becoming the youngest West Indian to score a fifty in a major T20 league.

With Shai Hope leading the squad and Rovman Powell returning, the focus for West Indies is already on the 2026 T20 World Cup. “We want to regain our form at home and build momentum,” said Sammy. Russell leaves behind a legacy of power-hitting, match-winning performances, and an undying passion for the maroon jersey.

Los Angeles Knight Riders won an exciting match against San Francisco Unicorns by 11 runs (DLS method) at Central Broward Park in Lauderhill. They batted first and put up a huge score that put the Unicorns under big pressure. Even though the Unicorns tried hard to chase it down, rain changed the target and they fell just short in the end.

The Knight Riders batted first and scored 243 runs for 3 wickets in 19 overs. Andre Fletcher was brilliant with 118 runs from 58 balls. Alex Hales also hit quick runs with 58 from 26 balls. Sherfane Rutherford added 49 from 28 balls. San Francisco’s bowlers kept trying. Karima Gore, Hassan Khan, and Xavier Bartlett took one wicket each.

Chasing a big DLS target, the Unicorns fought well but were all out for 233 in 18.5 overs. Sanjay Krishnamurthy played a superb innings, scoring 92 from 40 balls. Hammad Azam scored 38 and Hassan Khan hit 35 to keep the game alive.

But the target was tough, and the Knight Riders’ bowlers held their nerve. Karthik Gattepalli took 3 wickets for 31 runs. Jason Holder and Shadley van Schalkwyk took 2 wickets each to help seal the win. It was a thrilling game with lots of big hitting and good bowling. In the end, the Knight Riders did enough to win and take the points.

ALSO READ: MLC 2025, Match 29: Washington Freedom vs MI New York full match highlights

Twitter reactions after LAKR wins 30th match of MLC 2025

Literally had zero hopes with LAKR but they knocked out the best team of the tournament 💥🔥

We are lifting the trophy baby 🏆💛#MLC #MLC2025 pic.twitter.com/wrMtGgl4RF

— Navneet 🚩 (@MSDian067) July 7, 2025

Defending 244, LAKR won the match by just 11 runs, bringing an end to yet another disappointing and humiliating season.

- They have finished at the bottom of the tournament table. pic.twitter.com/B26U7VtLyr

— KKR Karavan (@KkrKaravan) July 7, 2025

It's finally a WIN after 5 back-to-back Losses.

LAKR finishes off the season with a Victory. #MLC2025 pic.twitter.com/5n6LwzTRF2

— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) July 7, 2025

LAKR ends their MLC 2025 Season with 2 wins & 8 losses out of 10 games. A horrible Season comes to an end.

LAKR local talents showed that they have the talent, Skill. Hopefully the management will pick some good overseas picks, make some changes in the coaching panel. pic.twitter.com/u2fI2U0fHh

— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) July 7, 2025

MI did not help us but LAKR doing it for us 💛but need to play dangerous freedom in Q1 https://t.co/QV7C2oLMoV

— Sai Shreyas (@SaiShre43225906) July 7, 2025

MINY sodhapitan 😒👎

BUT LAKR 😭😭😭 Won it for us 💛
Thanks da mapla 🫂 LAKR 😭

TSK IN Q1 💛

MLC 🏆 we are coming for you 💛🏆🦁 https://t.co/h8IkHz5PBh

— Its_Me_Maxeyyy 💛 (@maxeyyy_tweets) July 7, 2025

What a fight so far …

Only if they restricted LAKR to 220 or so

Unicorns 156/4 after 13
Need 89 from 6 overs

Sanjay 73(34)*
Hammad Azam 28(21)*

At the same stage LAKR 158/1#MajorLeagueCricket #MLC2025 https://t.co/3VtbXBAxMX

— Karthik Rao (@Cric_Karthikk) July 7, 2025

LAKR somehow managed to win and TSK will play Qualifier 1 🥳💛
We deserves to play Q1 after such a performance in the grp stage .

— ★ 𝘖𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 ★ (@aravindmsd_07) July 7, 2025

LAKR made 243 and took out the whole top order already.

— Maha (@cskfangirl7) July 7, 2025

Los Angeles Knight Riders vs San Francisco Unicorns (LAS vs SF) has been scheduled for the 30th match of the MLC 2025 at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill on Sunday evening. 

MLC 2025, Match 30: LAS vs SF Probable XIs

Los Angeles Knight Riders Predicted Playing XI: Andre Fletcher, Unmukt Chand (wk), Alex Hales, Saif Badar, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder (Captain), Matthew Tromp, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Corné Dry, Sunil Narine

San Francisco Unicorns Predicted Playing XI: Matthew Short (Captain), Finn Allen, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Jahmar Hamilton (wk), Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Hassan Khan, Romario Shephard, Haris Rauf, Xavier Bartlett, Brody Couch, Karima Gore

See Also: SF VS LAS Major League Cricket 2025:live streaming details where to watch

MLC 2025, Match 30: LAS vs SF Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Dream11 Captain choices

Matthew Short: Despite joining the tournament lately, Matthew Short is the third leading run-scorer in the MLC 2025 with 353 runs in six innings with an average of 58.83 and a strike rate of 169.71, including five half-centuries. He also picked up three wickets during their first meeting against Seattle Orcas.

Unmukt Chand: India U19 WC winning captain and present USA cricketer Unmukt Chand has scored 302 runs in nine innings this tournament with an average of 37.75 and a strike rate of 124.79, including three half-centuries.  

Xavier Bartlett: Australian right-arm pacer Xavier Bartlett is the second leading wicket-taker in the MLC 2025 with 16 wickets in nine games. He has recorded two four-fers in this tournament. 

Top 3 Dream11 Vice-captain choices

Haris Rauf: Pakistan right-arm fast bowler Haris Rauf is the leading wicket-taker in the MLC 2025 with 17 wickets after eight matches. While he has recorded two four-wicket hauls in this competition, he managed to pick up at least one wicket in seven out of eight innings, while he bowled only one wicketless over in his last game. 

Finn Allen: New Zealand cricketer Finn Allen had a dream start in this tournament, as he has scored 329 runs in eight innings with an average of 41.12 and a strike rate of 225.34. He has hit one century and two half-centuries in this tournament, starting with the 151-run knock. However, in the last four games, he scored 4, 7, 23, and 1 runs, respectively. 

Andre Russell: Caribbean all-rounder Andre Russell has scored 126 runs and taken 10 wickets in the MLC 2025. Apart from two three-wicket hauls, his last four innings were 30*, 65, 15, and 9, respectively.