Ex-RCB star points out KKR's biggest mistake after their IPL 2026 defeat against CSK

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are having a tough time in the IPL 2026 season. After their latest loss, they are sitting at the bottom of the points table and are still searching for their first win. One of their matches was washed out due to rain, but they have lost the other four games, including Tuesday’s 32-run defeat against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Mohammad Kaif on KKR's defeat

Following this loss, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif shared his thoughts on what might be going wrong for the team. He pointed out one major decision that he believes has hurt KKR this season.

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“Probably the biggest mistake KKR made this season was to make Andre Russell the coach and not use him as all-rounder. The ploy of keeping him in the KKR dugout and not letting other franchises buy him at auction hasn’t worked,” Kaif wrote on X. “Isn’t he still a better all-rounder than the Rs 25 cr Cameron Green? The answer is obvious.”

There has also been a lot of discussion around Cameron Green’s role in the team. One big issue is that Cricket Australia has not allowed him to bowl, which limits his impact as an all-rounder. On top of that, his batting form hasn’t been impressive either. In five matches this season, he has scored just 56 runs, with his best being an unbeaten 32.

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Andre Russell, meanwhile, is no longer playing in the IPL. After being released by KKR before the auction, he announced his retirement from the league. He has now returned to the team in a new role as their “power coach.”

Russell had a strong IPL career, playing 13 seasons and scoring 2,651 runs in 140 matches. He was known for his explosive batting, with an impressive strike rate of 174.18.