In what turned out to be a high-stakes encounter on the iconic Eden Gardens, Andre Russell as soon as once more showcased why he’s thought-about one of the feared T20 batters on the planet. His blistering unbeaten knock of 57 runs off simply 25 balls powered Kolkata Knight Riders to a commanding complete of 206/4 of their 20 overs in opposition to the Rajasthan Royals throughout Match 53 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
Andre Russell’s explosive end lifts KKR to 206/4 in opposition to Rajasthan Royals
Strolling in to bat at a difficult stage with the rating studying 111/3 within the thirteenth over, Russell took a cautious begin in opposition to the Royals’ spinners, managing simply 2 runs off his first 9 deliveries. Nonetheless, what adopted was classic Russell carnage. As soon as he discovered his rhythm, he tore into the pacers with sheer brute power. He first focused Akash Madhwal and Jofra Archer, then dismantled the spin risk of Maheesh Theekshana with devastating strokeplay.
Russell’s innings was not solely important within the context of the match, but additionally within the historical past of the franchise. He constructed a vital 61-run partnership with Angkrish Raghuvanshi, stabilizing the innings after a mini collapse within the center overs. Following that, his unbeaten stand of 34 runs with Rinku Singh additional propelled KKR in direction of a match-winning complete. Russell ended with a strike charge of 228.00, slamming 4 boundaries and clearing the ropes six occasions, electrifying the Eden Gardens crowd along with his trademark energy hitting.
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Milestone achievement and dominance at Eden Gardens
This innings additionally noticed Russell etch his identify deeper into KKR’s legacy. Getting into the sport simply 2 runs shy of the two,500-run mark for the franchise, Russell achieved the milestone early in his innings. He now has 2,555 runs to his identify in 131 matches for KKR, making him solely the second participant within the staff’s historical past to cross the two,500-run milestone. The one different participant to have accomplished that is former KKR captain Gautam Gambhir, who collected 3,035 runs for the franchise. Russell’s consistency and longevity are mirrored in his spectacular IPL numbers—he averages 29.03 and strikes at an eye-watering charge of 175. His status as a six-hitting machine is backed by 217 maximums and 179 fours throughout his KKR profession.
Including to the listing of accolades, Russell additionally accomplished 1,000 IPL runs at Eden Gardens throughout this very knock. He got here into the match with 989 runs on the venue and required simply 11 extra to breach the four-figure mark. By the point he returned to the pavilion unbeaten, he had introduced his complete to 1,046 runs at this floor. This achievement locations him in elite firm as solely the third batter to register over 1,000 runs at Eden Gardens within the IPL, additional solidifying his stature as a fan favorite in Kolkata.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
KKR lastly obtained it proper at this time — Russell got here in on the thirteenth over, simply when he had sufficient time to settle. Regardless of how huge a hitter you’re, these few balls early on are gold. His innings at this time proves it.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) Could 4, 2025
Ultimately! Ultimately! @irbishi and me have been speaking about this stereotyping of gamers as finishers for ages. Lastly, Russell is available in with a number of overs left. Hopefully Tewatia is subsequent.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) Could 4, 2025
Thanks KKR for believing in Andre Russell 🔥 pic.twitter.com/yMxZSyuTm2
— Homie (@homelander_yyy) Could 4, 2025
From 2*(9) to 57*(25)
That is Peak Russell stuff from 2019.— arfan (@Im__Arfan) Could 4, 2025
THE ONE. THE ONLY. ANDRE RUSSELL!!! 💪🔥 pic.twitter.com/w79P10pdfT
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) Could 4, 2025
Andre Russell again to smashing bowlers for enjoyable earlier than CSK recreation. pic.twitter.com/wZ50TbvWM0
— Foolish Level (@FarziCricketer) Could 4, 2025
One of many final Russell masterclasses we’ll see, to be honest. Savouring it to the fullest. I am keen on this man a lot.
— mauj masti enjoyer (@zraas000) Could 4, 2025
Better of Andre Russell after such a very long time! Exhibits once more what he can do if given the correct batting place and entry level! Higher late than by no means.
— Prasenjiit Dey (@CricPrasen) Could 4, 2025
Andre Russell may be solely batter with first rate pattern measurement to have extra sixes than fours nearly in all places:
T20I: 63 fours | 89 sixes
IPL: 182 fours | 218 sixes
BBL: 29 fours | 35 sixes
CPL: 129 fours | 154 sixes
T20s total: 605 fours | 744 sixesFrom 2 in 9 to 55 in 23 at this time pic.twitter.com/LbIYysuZsw
— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek) Could 4, 2025
🚨 MILESTONE UNLOCKED!
1,000 Runs at Eden Gardens for #AndreRussell 💥
He is now the third KKR batter to realize this feat after Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa. The large man continues to go away his mark at dwelling! 💪💜#DreRuss #KKR #IPL2025 #EdenGardens #KKRvRR pic.twitter.com/ZqIwYlF3eQ
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) Could 4, 2025
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