Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is a franchise co-owned by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, actress Juhi Chawla, and her husband Jay Mehta. KKR had a slow start in the initial seasons where they struggled to make the playoffs.
Their fortunes changed under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir when they won their first IPL title in 2012 by defeating Chennai Super Kings. KKR won their second IPL championship in 2014 beating Kings XI Punjab in the final, making them one of the most successful teams in IPL history at the time. Recently, they won the IPL 2024 defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer.
Known for their passionate fanbase, the “Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo” motto, and home ground Eden Gardens, KKR has always been one of the most popular franchises. Key players over the years have included the names of West Indian giants Sunil Narine and Andre Russell.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) should retain Sunil Narine and Andre Russell for IPL 2025 due to their long-standing value and impact on the team’s overall performance.
Sunil Narine runs as an opener for KKR
Sunil Narine has been one of the most consistent performers in IPL history, particularly with the ball. His mystery spin and ability to deliver in crucial moments make him a wicket-taking bowler across different phases of the game (powerplay and middle overs). He has evolved as an all-rounder, occasionally providing explosive starts with the bat making him a versatile asset.
As an opener for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) between 2017 and 2024, Sunil Narine has played 55 matches and batted in 54 innings, scoring a total of 1,217 runs. He has remained not out in 0 innings and boasts a highest score of 109. His batting average stands at 22.53, and he has faced 688 balls, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 176.88.
Narine has hit one century and 6 half-centuries during this span, with 6 ducks to his name. Known for his aggressive style, he has struck 141 fours and 76 sixes as an opener for KKR. His ability to give rapid starts has often proved crucial for the team.
Sunil Narine bowling stats for KKR
In his bowling career for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from 2012 to 2024, Sunil Narine has taken 180 wickets across 177 matches and 175 innings. He has bowled 679.1 overs, including 3 maidens, and has conceded 4,571 runs. His best bowling figures in an innings are 5/19.
Narine’s bowling average is 25.39, with an economy rate of 6.73 runs per over, making him one of the most economical bowlers in IPL history. He has an excellent strike rate of 22.6, meaning he takes a wicket approximately every 23 balls. Narine has achieved four-wicket hauls 7 times and taken one five-wicket haul in his KKR career.
Andre Russell batting stats for KKR
Russell is a true game-changer with his explosive hitting, especially in the death overs. Few players can single-handedly win games with their power-hitting like Russell. His strike rate is among the highest in IPL.
From 2014 to 2024, Andre Russell has been a dominant force with the bat for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). In 120 matches and 101 innings, he has scored 2,426 runs, remaining not out 20 times. His highest score is an unbeaten 88*, and he maintains a solid batting average of 29.95.
Russell has faced 1,380 balls and boasts a remarkable strike rate of 175.79, making him one of the most explosive hitters in IPL history. Though he hasn’t scored a century, he has hit 11 half-centuries.
Known for his power-hitting, Russell has smashed 167 fours and an incredible 206 sixes, making him a key finisher and a game-changer for KKR over the years.
Andre Russell bowling stats for KKR
From 2014 to 2024, Andre Russell has taken 114 wickets for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 120 matches and 105 innings. He has bowled a total of 259.5 overs, conceding 2,417 runs without bowling a maiden. His best bowling figures are 5/15.
Russell has an impressive bowling average of 21.20, with an economy rate of 9.30 runs per over. His strike rate is excellent, taking a wicket approximately every 13.6 balls. He has achieved two four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul in his KKR career.
