"Those guys get lucrative central contracts" - KKR star's huge statement on Virat Kohli's 'five levels below Test cricket' comment post IPL 2025 final

Veteran West Indian and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Andre Russell has shared his opinion after Virat Kohli's statement of rating IPL 2025 victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) 'five levels' below Test cricket. Russell stated that it's different coming for someone coming from the West Indies as Test players from India, Australia and England are offered lucrative contracts.

When asked by Matthew Hayden after RCB's historic IPL title win, where he would rate it, Kohli answered by stating that he would still rank it way below Test cricket. The 36-year-old went on to urge the youngsters coming through to take up Test cricket if they want to earn the respect of the cricketing fraternity.

Speaking to The Guardian ahead of the T20I series against England, the Jamaican said Test cricket is not rated as highly in the West Indies and that cricketers have to look out for themselves for their families. The seam-bowling all-rounder stated:

"I think when you’re from India, Australia, England, those places where they look after their Test players, it’s totally different to being from West Indies. Those guys get lucrative central contracts to play Test cricket and play on the biggest stages, of course they want to play. West Indians? You might play 50 or 100 Tests and you know, after you retire, there’s not much to show for it. Of course, you want the possibility of living a comfortable life and taking care of your family."

A T20 freelancer, Russell has played in the IPL, Big Bash League, Caribbean Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League, Pakistan Super League, Major League Cricket and several other T20 tournaments. The 37-year-old, who has also played only one Test in his career. He is also one of the six men in the world to win 10 or more T20 tournaments.

Andre Russell's underwhelming campaign for KKR in IPL 2025

Andre Russell in KKR colours. (Credits: Getty)

Meanwhile, Russell, who has been part of the Knight Riders for over a decade now, failed to make an impact for the defending champions in IPL 2025. In 13 matches, the veteran managed only 167 runs at 18.55 along with eight wickets as KKR failed to reach the playoffs.

The KKR all-rounder is also set to play his first international game since November 2024.