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Why Didn't Andre Russell Bowl vs RCB In IPL 2025 Opener? Injury Concern Or Tactical Blunder?

Abhinav Tyagi

Andre Russell - (Source:@Johns/X.com)Andre Russell - (Source:@Johns/X.com)

On Saturday, March 22, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders locked horns against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match of IPL 2025. The visitors stunned the hosts in the curtain-raiser game as the Rajat Patidar-led side registered a seven-wicket win to silence the Eden Garden crowd.

Following the defeat, questions were raised on Ajinkya Rahane over his leadership. The right-hand batter had a great day with the bat as he scored 56 (31). However, eyebrows were raised on his captaincy as fans bashed him for not utilising Andre Russell during the run-chase.

Mistake By Ajinkya Rahane During RCB Match?

Notably, KKR, batting first, had put 174 runs on the board. Meanwhile, RCB, in reply, went all guns blazing and had put 80 runs on the board after six overs without any loss. Further, Rahane decided to go ahead with just five bowlers and didn't give the ball to Russell, who has also made a mark with the ball in this cash-studded league.

The fans were also baffled by the move and also raised concerns over Russell's fitness as they were worried that an injury scare might have restricted him from bowling. 

Was Russell's Absent From Bowling Because Of Injury Or a Tactical Blunder?

So far, Ajinkya Rahane or any other management member hasn't broken any silence on the matter. Thus, it is safe to say that Russell hasn't suffered any injury scare and the decision to not bowl him was just a tactical blunder. 

It is worth noting that Russell boasts a great record against RCB as he has taken 12 wickets in 14 matches against the Bengaluru-based franchise.