Former India batter Mohammad Kaif believes Kolkata Knight Riders should return Andre Russell to their XI in IPL 2026, even with concerns over his fitness.
The Russell factor
Kaif said KKR are plainly missing Russell. In his view, merely having him in the dugout puts opponents under psychological pressure, and a player of his standing can influence a match through reputation alone.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said that if Russell is willing to play at less than full fitness, the team should select him given the value he brings. He repeated that his presence alone can unsettle opposition bowlers.
Kaif also noted that KKR had earlier chosen to retain Russell within their set-up rather than risk losing him at the auction. He drew a line, though, between being part of the support staff and playing on the field.
Questions over Green
The former cricketer also voiced concern about Cameron Green’s inconsistent contributions. Green did not bowl at first, Kaif said, and struggled to make an impact once he did. He cited the game against Lucknow Super Giants, when Green leaked important runs in the death overs and the momentum shifted. Kaif added that the Australian has not yet delivered much with the bat either.
Finally, Kaif observed that despite his age, Russell is still sought after in franchise leagues around the world, a sign of his lasting reputation as a match-winner.
