Kolkata Knight Riders have indicated at releasing all-rounder Andre Russell ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. The destructive Caribbean star has been a part of the three-time IPL champions since 2014 and has gone on to become an integral part of the side’s playing XI over the years. However, the team is reportedly unlikely to retain Russell ahead of the mega-auction, which could come back to haunt them later.
KKR’s dangerous RTM gamble with Andre Russell in IPL 2025 auction
Should KKR decide to release Andre Russell officially, then they still have a way to rope him back to the side, via Right to Match (RTM) card. The West Indies all-rounder was retained for a sum of Rs 12 cr in the 2022 auction. KKR should have no reason to release Russell apart from differences over the retention rate, given his numbers in the IPL. Should KKR think of taking the RTM route for Russell, then they should very well remember that other IPL teams would jump into a bidding war to procure the services of the all-rounder at all costs.
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With 2484 runs and 115 wickets to his name from 127 matches, Andre Russell has indeed emerged as one of the most valuable players in the IPL. Especially for KKR. His best season for the side with the bat came in 2019 when he ammassed 510 runs, including four half-centuries and a whooping 52 sixes in the season. Overall, Russell has 209 sixes to his name and boasts of a strike rate of 174.93. Such is the aura of the all-rounder that any team would surely want his services.
With the RTM rule modified for IPL 2025 auction, KKR could find themselves in a mess if they choose to take that route for Russell. For all we know, the Carribean star could end up in another franchise who makes a higher bid and forces KKR to keep the paddle low.
How does RTM work in IPL 2025 auction?
An RTM (Right to Match) card allows a franchise to buy back a player they had in the previous season. Previously, you could raise your card once the highest bid for a player was set, but now the team originally bidding for the player would have the opportunity to raise the price once more. If you can’t match the offer, the player will go to the original bidder, but if you match it, you’ll get your player back.
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