RR Feeling Jos Buttler's Absence, KKR Under-Utilising Andre Russell: Anil Kumble

Legendary Anil Kumble reckons Rajasthan Royals' decision to not retain Jos Buttler and Kolkata Knight Riders' improper utilisation of Andre Russell are factors that have contributed significantly to the struggles of the former IPL winners thus far. Having played eight matches each so far, the defending champions KKR have lost five while the Royals have endured defeats in six. In a select media interaction on Wednesday, JioStar expert Kumble said, "Jos Buttler is someone who sort of was the key player for Rajasthan Royals for a while. He was instrumental in single-handedly doing damage to the opposition."

"So I was a bit surprised that RR didn't retain him. I felt that both the games that they lost (previous two against DC and LSG), they had it in hand, which they shouldn't have lost.

"Missing Sanju Samson (to an injury) is a big thing. He's a key player for Rajasthan Royals," said Kumble, referring to RR captain who missed the last game and will not play against RCB due to an abdominal injury.

Talking about KKR, Kumble felt Russell should bat higher up the order. "I felt that KKR haven't really utilised their resources. If you look at last year's campaign, it was mostly around the starts that they used to get with Phil Salt and Sunil Narine. That's not happening this season with their opening batters and that (has) certainly started putting pressure on their middle order." "I felt the utilisation of Andre Russell hasn't been really great from a KKR standpoint. Russell should bat higher. They certainly have the bowl line-up (to excel and just need to bat better)," said the former India captain.

"It was just a matter of time: Kumble on Rohit Sharma regaining form 

Kumble was never worried about the lack of runs from