Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Varun Chakravarthy backed Andre Russell to continue as an integral member of the side, revealing a conversation they had about the West Indies all-rounder’s future in the Indian Premier League. Speaking after KKR’s thrilling one-run win over Rajasthan Royals in Kolkata on Sunday, Chakravarthy heaped praise on Russell and his ability to win matches.

Russell silenced his critics with his first fifty of the IPL 2025 season – and it came in a winning cause as KKR edged past Rajasthan Royals in a last-over thriller at Eden Gardens on May 4. Starting cautiously and playing out dot balls against spin, Russell exploded once pace was reintroduced in the 16th over, taking down Akash Madhwal and Jofra Archer in the death overs. | KKR vs RR Highlights – Scorecard |

Russell finished unbeaten on 57 off just 25 deliveries, smashing six sixes and four boundaries. KKR’s decision to back their 37-year-old finisher and send him in at No. 5 as early as the 13th over paid rich dividends for the defending champions. Russell was thrilled with the knock and said he was feeling like 27 again.

“As far as I’ve spoken to him and interacted with him, he still wants to play another two or three cycles of the IPL – which is easily six more years. He looks fine and fit. It doesn’t matter how old you are, as long as you’re contributing to the team. That’s the mindset. In franchise cricket, no one’s going to question that,” Chakravarthy said.

Questions had been raised about Russell’s place in the side and KKR’s decision to retain him before the mega auction for IPL 2025, considering the three-year cycle. The veteran all-rounder had struggled in the first half of the season, scoring just 72 runs in KKR’s first 10 matches.

RUSSELL CAN HAMMER SPIN: VARUN

On Sunday, Russell paced his innings, seeing off the spinners early before launching an assault in the death overs. He hammered Maheesh Theekshana at the end to help KKR post a total in excess of 200.

Varun Chakravarthy dismissed the notion that Russell struggles against spin, insisting the West Indies star is more than capable against slow bowling.

“That’s not true – it’s not like he can’t hit spin. He can hammer spin; we’ve all seen it before. Even in net practice, he smashes it. But today, he chose a different approach, and that was very smart from him. I could see that, and I can tell you it’s part of his development,” Varun said.

Thanks to Russell’s blitz, KKR bagged two crucial points to take their tally to 11 from 11 matches. With their next game against a struggling Chennai Super Kings at home on Wednesday, KKR will be eager to strengthen their place in the playoffs race.