Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth shared his views on the major releases after the IPL 2026 retention deadline, including the most surprising one — Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) letting go of all-rounder Andre Russell. Even though Russell has strong T20 numbers and has been with KKR for more than ten years, Srikkanth felt the franchise made the right call because of his recent form.

Russell had a very poor IPL 2025 season with both bat and ball. He averaged under 19 with the bat and took only eight wickets in 13 matches, giving away runs at almost 12 an over.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said: “Andre Russell hasn’t done anything great in the last few years. Releasing him was the right move. Maybe they will buy him back at a lower price.”

The former opener also supported KKR’s decision to release their ₹23.75 crore buy, Venkatesh Iyer. “Venkatesh Iyer’s release was expected as he had a poor last IPL season. Even the year before that, he did well only in the playoffs,” he said.

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Srikkanth also agreed with the releases of Matheesha Pathirana, Liam Livingstone, and Ravi Bishnoi.

“Pathirana had very ordinary performances in the last two seasons. He only performed here and there, nothing great. Ravi Bishnoi’s release was expected. He is an overrated cricketer. Liam Livingstone was overpriced. These players will be bought again by some teams, but for lower prices,” he added.

Pathirana and Bishnoi were priced at ₹13 crore and ₹11 crore by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), while Livingstone joined the 2025 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for ₹8.75 crore.

Srikkanth Praises DC for Nitish Rana Trade

Kris Srikkanth praised the Delhi Capitals (DC) for getting Nitish Rana from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) through a trade before the IPL 2026 retention deadline. The left-hander showed some good moments in IPL 2025 for RR but ended the season with only 217 runs at an average of under 22 in 11 matches.

“Nitish Rana is a good player. He can be useful and on turning wickets, he can also bowl. So it’s a good plus for DC. I am not sure why RR let him go. Maybe he didn’t perform well last year. But players like Nitish Rana need to be handled well. Some cricketers need the right support,” Srikkanth said.

“Rana Can Be a Match-Winner”

Srikkanth added that Rana performed well for KKR because the team managed him properly.

“When Nitish Rana was with KKR, he was handled well. That’s why he did very well for them. How the team management handles players is very important, and Rana is one of those players. He can be a match-winner for you.”

Both DC and RR missed the playoffs in the 2025 season, with RR finishing second-to-last on the points table.

Krishnamachari Srikkanth has dismissed Ravichandran Ashwin’s criticism of his remark about Harshit Rana regularly being picked in India squads. In a clip on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth’s son Anirudh said Ashwin’s comments were a bit unfair and hypocritical.

Srikkanth had said that Rana is always a yes-man to India head coach Gautam Gambhir and is the only permanent member of the squad. Gambhir did not take any names but called the criticism “shameful.” Ashwin also defended Rana. Like Gambhir, he avoided naming anyone and said personal attacks could hurt a player’s confidence.

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Anirudh Responds to Ashwin

“I just want to ask, ‘Ashwin, why bro? What did we do to you?’” Anirudh said. “It seemed a bit unfair. A couple of years ago, when you (Ashwin) mocked the entire RCB bowling attack, we laughed along. Didn’t you know they have a family too?”

“It just seems a bit hypocritical. Anyway, you and I will not dwell on that. Everybody has their opinion. That is the beauty of it. To the viewers, on this channel, you will get a strong and biased opinion. No changes there,” he added.

Though Cheeka is biased ,any day Cheeka >>>>Ashwin.Pdogg now will be planning to attack Anirudha in the next video with Ashwin . pic.twitter.com/TtCb3AjeIg

— Sakthi (@SakthiJ0801) October 18, 2025

Srikkanth’s Fearless Style

Anirudh said Srikkanth has always spoken his mind without fear, reminding Ashwin how the 1983 World Cup winner smoked a cigarette at the famous Lord’s balcony.

“Chika (Srikkanth) has been like that since 1983. He hasn’t been scared of anyone. I’m not expecting Chika to change. Sometimes it is borderline cringe, I know. But we try to keep father-son banter normal as possible. Thanks to all the viewers for the support,” Anirudh added.

The 38-year-old former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's comeback to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team wasn't a nice story in the IPL 2025. While Ashwin has reportedly requested CSK to get released ahead of the next IPL auction, former Indian cricketer and coach Krishnamachari Srikkanth opened up about it. 

Ravichandran Ashwin was the first CSK bowler to record 100 T20 wickets for the team. After serving for the IPL franchise between 2009 and 2015, when CSK won two IPL trophies and two Champions League T20 trophies, Ashwin returned to the franchise after nine years for the IPL 2025. In the IPL 2025 auction, CSK won his bid for INR 9.75 crore. 

While CSK struggled the entire IPL 2025, finishing in last position for the first time in the IPL season's history, Ravichandran Ashwin's performances were also unimpressive. The off-spinner only managed to take seven wickets in nine games and scored only 33 runs in four innings. 

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It will be a super move: Srikkanth on R Ashwin's CSK exit

In the rumours of Ashwin's possible CSK exit, Krishnamachari Srikkanth feels that it will be a good move for the franchise, as the big money can help to rebuild the team with the top-performing youngsters.

On his YouTube channel, Srikanth said, "Actually, I am with CSK, and if they do it, it will be a super move. I think they can muster up around 42 crores, and with the youngsters who performed well at the end of the season, they can form a good side."

They thought it was a good pick: Srikkanth

Srikkanth spoke about CSK's possible feelings about Ashwin's return, who is still the third leading wicket-taker for the franchise with 127 wickets. Then the former Indian cricketer spoke about the harsh reality of franchise cricket.

Srikkanth added, "They thought it was a good pick, but unfortunately, you've got to understand that it's franchise cricket at the end of the day and not Tamil Nadu cricket. Yes, all of us admire him for his records, he has done brilliantly for IPL, CSK, India, and Tamil Nadu. But that apart, you have to win championships. The last two years CSK have not qualified for the playoffs."

Apart from Ravichandran Ashwin from CSK, the Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is also in the trending news, as he also reportedly wants to leave his franchise. CSK are reportedly interested in making a trade deal for Samson, but it is unlikely to happen. 

Srikkanth Calls Shubman Gill Overrated

On his YouTube channel, Kris Srikkanth, a major name from India's 1986 World Cup win and famous for not holding back, got very upset with Shubman Gill. Mr. Srikkanth was basically saying, I have been telling people Shubman Gill is overrated for years but it's clear nobody cared. The man is significantly overrated.

Srikkanth questioned Gill's repeated inclusion in the playing XI and pointed out the lack of opportunities for other players like Suryakumar Yadav. Addressing the Ajit Agarkar led selection committee, he remarked, "When Gill is being given so many chances, one might wonder if someone like Suryakumar Yadav could have also been given a longer run in Tests."

Srikkanth mentioned that Suryakumar has the skills and technique, even though he didn't begin well in tests. But, he also said that the selectors and management see him mainly as a white-ball player, so they should look for new talent now.

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In addition to Suryakumar, Srikkanth recommended two other Indian batters for selection in the Test team. "Ruturaj Gaikwad, for instance, has been performing exceptionally well in first-class cricket, but he's been overlooked. Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan has been impressing in 'A' tours. It's important to promote such emerging talents, but instead, they keep picking Gill, running in circles," he added.

Rohit Sharma, the Captain, wasn't there for the Perth match, and Gill also missed the first Test because he was hurt--but India still won it. Gill wasn't part of the fourth Test because he wasn't doing a good job--but he did come back for the last trade. After coming back, India started to have a tougher time. Then everything became very exciting when Ravichandran Ashwin decided to retire right after the third Test, and everyone was discussing it.Despite coming back, Rohit decided to skip the fifth Test.

Cheeka talking about Shubman Gill.

- He is playing very poorly
- no one is talking about Gill, people talking about KL Rahul and virat form why not Gill
- If Gill plays in England 1 or 2 balls or 1 over He will get out pic.twitter.com/7kvj0J9OP0

— Prakash (@definitelynot05) January 4, 2025

Shubman Gill, who had been part of the Indian squad for the early matches, was sidelined for the first Test of the series due to an injury, which India won. At the same time, Rohit Sharma missed the Perth fixture, leaving avoid in the leadership and batting lineup. The team's fortunes took a downturn in the subsequent matches, with their performance faltering despite high expectations.

Ravichandran Ashwin, a key figure in India's bowling attack, announced his immediate retirement after the third Test under controversial circumstances, sparking debate within the cricket community. His exit added to the already tense atmosphere surrounding the team.

Gill, struggling with form throughout the series, was dropped for the fourth Test. He was given another opportunity to prove himself in the final Test, making his return to the playing XI. However, Rohit Sharma decided to sit out the fifth Test, raising questions about his fitness and readiness. His absence in the final match further complicated India's efforts to secure a victory in the series. Despite returning, Gill's performance remained under scrutiny, adding to the ongoing discussions about his place in the team.

Shubman Gill Career Stats Batting & Fielding