“Can’t Play Andre Russell At 7”: 3 Brutal Mistakes in KKR’s Loss to LSG
“Can’t play Andre Russell at 7, Rinku Singh at 8″—this fiery critique from former India batter Mohammed Kaif sums up the outrage after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fell four runs short chasing 239 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 8, 2025. With Rinku Singh walking out at No. 8 despite KKR needing nearly twelve runs per over in the last 10 overs, fans and experts roasted the team’s baffling tactics. Let’s break down what went wrong in this IPL 2025 thriller and why KKR’s batting order blunder cost them dearly.
Table of Contents
- “Can’t Play Andre Russell At 7”: The Batting Order Backlash
- Rinku Singh’s Late Entry: A Missed Opportunity
- LSG’s Bowling Strikes Trigger KKR Collapse
- Why the Right-Left Theory Failed KKR
- Standout Performances in a Losing Cause
- Fan and Expert Reactions to KKR’s Defeat
- What KKR Must Fix Before Their Next Match
“Can’t Play Andre Russell At 7”: The Batting Order Backlash
“Can’t play Andre Russell at 7, Rinku Singh at 8″—Kaif’s words echoed across cricket circles as KKR’s strategy unraveled. Chasing a mammoth 239, KKR needed their big hitters early, but Russell and Singh—two of their most explosive batsmen—were held back. Russell arrived at No. 7, managing just seven runs off Shardul Thakur, while Singh didn’t step in until No. 8, despite the run rate soaring past 11.5. By then, the damage was done.
This wasn’t just a misstep; it was a tactical disaster. Posts on X lit up with frustration, with fans questioning why a 20-year-old Angkrish Raghuvanshi was sent ahead of proven finishers when 13 runs per over were needed. KKR’s decision to prioritize batting depth over firepower left them scrambling in a chase they could’ve controlled.
Rinku Singh’s Late Entry: A Missed Opportunity
Rinku Singh’s arrival at No. 8 was the tipping point. With KKR at 161 for 6 after 13 overs, needing 78 off 42 balls, the left-hander could’ve turned the tide earlier. Instead, he walked in with just 23 balls left and smashed an unbeaten 38 off 14 deliveries—a heroic effort that fell agonizingly short. His late blitz included a flurry of boundaries and sixes, proving why he’s a clutch performer.
Had Rinku come in at No. 5 or 6, KKR might’ve paced the chase better. His 2023 heroics—five sixes in an over—show he thrives under pressure. Sending him so low defied logic, especially with the required rate ballooning. As one X post lamented, “Sorry Rinku Singh, you deserve better.”
LSG’s Bowling Strikes Trigger KKR Collapse
LSG’s bowlers deserve credit for exposing KKR’s shaky middle order. Akash Deep and Shardul Thakur struck at critical moments, taking two wickets each. Deep dismissed Ajinkya Rahane (35) and Russell, while Thakur removed Venkatesh Iyer (45) during a 16-ball collapse that saw KKR lose four wickets. This turned a promising 112 for 2 into a desperate 161 for 6.
Sunil Narine’s brisk 30 off 13 had set the tone, but once he fell, KKR’s momentum faltered. LSG’s disciplined attack—backed by Naveen-ul-Haq’s tight overs—kept the pressure on, making KKR’s decision to delay Russell and Rinku even more costly.
Why the Right-Left Theory Failed KKR
KKR’s obsession with the right-left batting combination likely fueled this debacle. The theory—alternating right- and left-handers to disrupt bowlers—has merit, but not when chasing 239. Kaif slammed it, saying, “KKR needs to avoid taking right-left theory too seriously.” Sticking to this rigid plan saw Raghuvanshi (a right-hander) promoted over Russell and Rinku, despite the dire need for power-hitting.
In a high-stakes chase, flexibility trumps formulas. Russell’s brute force and Rinku’s finishing flair should’ve been unleashed earlier, not sidelined for a theoretical edge that crumbled under LSG’s onslaught.
Standout Performances in a Losing Cause
Despite the loss, KKR had bright spots. Narine’s explosive start gave them hope, while Iyer’s 45 off 32 kept the chase alive. Rinku’s unbeaten 38 was the standout, a reminder of his potential when given a chance. For LSG, their batting firepower set the tone—details are scarce, but a 238-run total suggests contributions from KL Rahul or Quinton de Kock, with their bowlers sealing the deal.
KKR’s three defeats in five matches this season now put their title defense under scrutiny. This game showed their talent, but poor decisions overshadowed it.
Fan and Expert Reactions to KKR’s Defeat
The cricket world didn’t hold back. Sourav Ganguly, KKR’s former captain, called out the batting order shuffle as a missed trick. X posts raged: “Having Russell, Rinku in the pavilion and sending a 20-year-old ahead when the run rate is 13—can’t digest this loss,” one fan fumed. Another wrote, “You can’t send your main hitters at 7 and 8 chasing 239!”
Media outlets like NDTV Sports noted Rinku’s No. 8 slot despite the 12-run-per-over demand, while Circle of Cricket questioned KKR’s strategy outright. The consensus? KKR roasted themselves with baffling choices.
What KKR Must Fix Before Their Next Match
KKR can’t afford more slip-ups in IPL 2025. First, they must rethink their batting order—Russell and Rinku are finishers, not tailenders. Second, they need to adapt to game situations over rigid plans. With three wins and three losses, their campaign hangs in the balance. Their next match is a chance to regroup, but only if they learn from this roasting.
For more IPL updates, visit ESPNcricinfo. KKR’s title defense isn’t over, but “can’t play Andre Russell at 7, Rinku Singh at 8” will haunt them unless they fix it fast.