Data Shorts: Are KKR underutilizing Russell's bowling?

While power-hittng is Andre Russell's premier expertise, it was his bowling exploits that made a telling impact in Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2024 triumph. He bagged 19 wickets in the tournament - his highest in an IPL edition - and the economy rate of 10.06 would be acceptable in the most run-filled edition ever. The strike rate of 9.26 - jaw dropping.

In the 18-year history of the IPL, there have been 232 instances of a bowler bagging 15 or more wickets in an edition; Russell's strike-rate of 9.26 in 2024 stands the best among them. He bowled in each of the 14 completed games he featured in last season. This year, he has been called upon to bowl in just five of the nine games so far, and still has seven wickets from 10.3 overs. Of the 102 bowlers who have sent down at least 10 overs in the IPL since 2024, he has the best strike-rate (9.2, 26 wickets).

And so, it's been a major surprise that he hasn't been handed the ball as often in a campaign that has been hanging by a thread.