“Andre Russell hasn't done anything great in recent years”

Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth appreciated the remarkable deliveries, including the most amazing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder. Andrew Russellafter the IPL 2026 holdover deadline. Despite West Indies' incredible T20 numbers and their decade-long partnership with KKRSrikkanth felt the franchise was right to release him, given his recent form.

Russell endured a torrid IPL 2025 season with bat and ball for KKR, averaging under 19 with the willow and picking up just eight wickets at an economy of nearly 12 in 13 outings.

Talking about KKR who will launch the star all-rounder his YouTube channelSrikkanth said (4:05):

“Andre Russell hasn't done anything great the last few years. Releasing him was the right move. Maybe they'll buy him back at a lower price.”

The former opener also backed KKR's decision to field their Rs 23.75 crore buy Venkatesh Iyer.

“Venkatesh Iyer's release was expected as he had a poor IPL season last. Even the year before last, he only did well in the playoffs,” he claimed.

Srikkanth also agreed with the launch of the franchises Matheesha PathiranaLiam Livingstone and Ravi Bishnoi.

“Coming into Pathirana, he had a very average last two seasons. He just performed here and there, nothing great from him. He was just waiting for the release of Ravi Bishnoi. He is an overrated cricketer. Liam Livingstone was overpriced. But some franchises will buy these guys, but their prices will be lower,” he added.

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

“It's a good get for DC” – Kris Srikkanth on the Nitish Rana trade

Kris Srikkanth praised Delhi Capitals (DC) for acquiring Nitish Rana from Rajasthan Royals (RR) through a trade ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline. The left-hander showed some glimpses in IPL 2025 for RR but finished with a disappointing 217 runs at an average of less than 22 in 11 matches.

“Nitish Rana is a good player. He can be a useful player and when it comes to turning wickets, he can also bowl. So he is a good asset for DC. I am not sure why RR dropped Nitish Rana. He probably did not perform well last year. But Nitish Rana, a type of player, needs to be handled well. source mentioned).

He concluded:

“Nitish Rana when he was in KKR handled himself well. That's why he did very well in KKR. So how the team management handles certain players is very important and Rana is one of them. He can be a match winner for you.”

Both DC and RR missed the playoffs in the 2025 season, with the latter finishing penultimate in the points table.