Are KKR underutilizing Russell's bowling?

Andre Russell's bowling prowess has been a significant factor in Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) success, particularly in their IPL 2024 triumph. He bagged 19 wickets, his highest in an IPL edition, with an impressive economy rate of 10.06 and a strike rate of 9.26.

Despite his impressive numbers, Russell has been called upon to bowl in only five of the nine games so far this season, and has seven wickets from 10.3 overs. This raises questions about whether KKR is underutilizing his bowling skills.

Russell's ability to break opening stands and take crucial wickets has been evident in his performances. In KKR's previous game, he dismissed Sai Sudharsan, ending a 114-run opening stand, and in the game against Punjab Kings, he broke a 120-run opening stand with a wicket.

KKR's middle-overs bowling has been a strength, with 49 wickets at 20.93, SR: 15.4, and a dot-ball percentage of 36.9. Russell was the only seamer with 12 wickets in this phase in 2024, and his numbers are still impressive this season, with 25 wickets at 27.16, SR: 15.4, and an economy rate of 6.51.

However, KKR's results in the middle-overs have been skewed, with 14 wickets at 12.57 and an economy rate of 6.51 in wins, and nine wickets at 44.22, ER: 9.29 in defeats.

Seamers with most wickets in Overs 7-15 in the IPL since 2024

Russell's impressive bowling figures have come across various game-defining spells, including dismissing key batsmen like Abhishek Sharma, Abdul Samad, Rajat Patidar, Will Jacks, and Suryakumar Yadav.

The question remains whether KKR will give Russell a decent go to utilize his bowling skills to the fullest.