Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has questioned Kolkata Knight Riders’ strategy this season, suggesting the franchise may have made a costly error by moving Andre Russell into a “power coach” role while investing heavily in Cameron Green.
Kaif’s remarks came after KKR’s latest defeat, a 32-run loss to Chennai Super Kings, which further deepened their poor start to the season.
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KKR are yet to win a game this campaign, with their only point coming from a washed-out fixture against Punjab Kings at home. Losses to Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants and CSK have left them at the bottom of the table, raising serious concerns over their team balance and planning.
“Probably the biggest mistake KKR made this season was to make Andre Russell the coach and not use him as an all-rounder,” Kaif wrote on social media. “Isn’t he still a better all-rounder than the Rs 25 crore Cameron Green? The answer is obvious.”
The criticism centres around KKR’s decision to reposition Russell away from an on-field all-rounder’s role while spending big on Green at the auction. However, beyond returns, it is also about how Green has been used so far.
The Australian all-rounder has largely been deployed at No. 6, a position that does not fully suit his strengths. Green has historically thrived in the top order, where he gets time to build his innings. In the lower middle order, he has often been forced into high-risk situations with limited deliveries.
That has reflected in his returns. Apart from a 32 not out and figures of 1 for 28 against Lucknow Super Giants, Green has struggled for impact, registering scores of 0, 4, 2 and 18 in other matches.
In contrast, Russell built his reputation at KKR as a finisher and impact all-rounder. His ability to close out games with the bat and contribute with the ball made him one of the most dangerous players in the league.
KKR’s struggles this season have also highlighted the absence of that finishing presence. The side has experimented with combinations and roles, but the lack of clarity has hurt them.
Kaif’s remarks underline a larger issue. The problem may not just be about personnel, but how those players are being utilised.
With the tournament still in its early phase, KKR have time to recover. But as defeats pile up, decisions around squad composition and roles are coming under increasing scrutiny.
For now, Kaif’s assessment is blunt. KKR’s struggles may stem as much from strategy as from form.
