IPL 2019 | KKR’s over-dependence on Andre Russell is not good sign, says Krishnamachari Srikkanth

Andre Russell is the only constant for KKR this season and managed to put up six consecutive 40+ scores on the six occasions he came out to bat. This was down to the top-order’s failure to get going at a crucial juncture in the game and Dinesh Karthik’s failure further added more tension to the camp. Srikkanth believes that the over-reliance on their Carribean import doesn’t augur well for the Shahrukh Khan-owned franchise.

"Kolkata seem to have lost their way a bit after a promising start. The dependence on Andre Russell is growing by the day and that's not a good sign. Too many changes, especially in the batting order does not augur well. By now KKR must have sorted out their combination. If you look back, IPL champions in the past are usually the ones who have not tinkered too much with their XI. Same goes with any high-profile tournament. For KKR, another defeat here would mean they slip in the points table. They might still make the play-offs but they don't look the side they were at the start of the tournament," Srikkanth wrote in his column for the Times of India.

MS Dhoni’s leadership has been spot on this IPL, and his intelligent usage of spinners ensured that the three-time champions got off to a brilliant start in the league, winning six out of seven matches. Srikkanth was all praise for Dhoni, saying the latter’s clarity of mind is of another level.

"Meanwhile, despite their resources being limited, CSK has forced other teams to play catch up. The sole reason behind their success; the brilliant and inspirational leadership. How difficult is it to keep things simple in life? Not easy for most of us, but it is second nature to MS Dhoni. His personal success as a batsman wicket-keeper, and the numerous trophies as captain, is a testament to the fact. He knows his strength and sticks to his plans no matter what. An uncluttered mind is Dhoni's greatest ally," Srikkanth added.

"In my four years as the chairman of the selection committee, I have had numerous interactions with Dhoni - not that we agreed every time - but Dhoni knows exactly what he wants. This current CSK bunch is not the world-beating side they were in the past, yet Dhoni puts his resources to best use. For example, no captain will drop the man of the match from the previous game. Look at the manner in which Harbhajan Singh has been handled. Unless the conditions suit the off-spinner, Dhoni does not play him. Another area where Dhoni scores over other leaders is finding a winning combination quickly," Srikkanth signed off.