Andre Russell Scripts History, Achieves Never-Done-Before Feat In IPL 2025

Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Andre Russell scripted history by becoming the first ever overseas batter to slam 1000 IPL runs at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Russell, who has been been a part of KKR since 2014, achieved the feat during the IPL 2025 encounter against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. There were two batters - Gautam Gambhir (1407) and Robin Uthappa (1159) - who achieved this feat before Russell but the West Indies international was the first overseas star to do so. Russell also completed 2500 runs for KKR in the tournament during his unbeaten 25-ball-57

Russell regained his mojo, slamming a 22-ball fifty to propel Kolkata Knight Riders to a formidable 206 for 4 in their must-win IPL match against Rajasthan Royals.

The 37-year-old Jamaican, whose previous best this season was a modest 21 against Gujarat Titans, shrugged off a jittery start to unleash his trademark power-hitting, remaining unbeaten on 57 off 25 balls (4x4, 6x6).

Riding on Russell's late fireworks, KKR smashed 85 runs in the last five overs.

He found excellent support in young Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who played a composed hand of 44 from 31 balls (5x4) as the duo added 61 runs off 33 deliveries for the fifth wicket.

Rinku Singh added the final flourish with a cameo -- 19 not out off just six balls, including one four and two sixes -- to cap off KKR's late surge.

Russell was promoted to No. 5 in the crucial middle phase, but with spinners tightening the screws, KKR's momentum dipped.

Maheesh Theekshana (1/41) bowled a brilliant 14th over, giving away just two runs and keeping Russell quiet.

The Jamaican managed only 2 off his first 9 balls. Then came the 16th over from pacer Akash Madhwal and it changed the course of the game.

Russell hammered the