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Andre Russell responds to Virat Kohli’s remark calling IPL success five levels below Test cricket after RCB’s 2025 title win, says West Indies players view things differently.

New Delhi: West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell is set to return to the West Indies team in the upcoming T20 series against England. This will be his first international appearance since November 2024. Russell, who returned from the IPL 2025 season, said that he has no regrets about playing limited in his international career, as during this time he established himself as one of the greatest all-rounders in franchise cricket.

Russell has created history in T20

Russell is one of the few cricketers who have won at least 10 T20 titles around the world, including multiple IPL titles with Kolkata Knight Riders and a T20 World Cup. However, the 37-year-old Russell has played just one Test match for the West Indies and has not been part of the 50-over team since 2019. Speaking to the Guardian, Russell said that he does not underestimate the T20 format and considers it as important as any international assignment.

Russell was questioned about Virat Kohli’s statement, which he gave after winning the IPL title with Royal Challengers Bangalore for the first time in 18 seasons. Kohli had said, “This moment is one of the best moments of my career. But it is still five levels below Test cricket. I give as much importance to Test cricket and love it as much. So I would urge the youth to respect this format.”

Different situation of West Indies cricketers
However, Russell said that the Caribbean cricketers have a different perspective. He said, “I think when you are from countries like India, Australia, England, where Test players are taken care of well, then it is completely different from West Indies.”

No regrets despite playing Test cricket

“They have big central contracts to play Test cricket and they want to play on that big stage. In the West Indies? You can play 50 or 100 Tests, and after that you don’t have much to show.”

Although Russell believes in Test cricket, he made it clear that he is not willing to give up franchise cricket to improve the position of the red ball format.

Limited opportunities in Test career

Regarding his only Test played in 2010, Russell said, “Basically I was dropped from the Test set-up. They saw me as a ball player and that was it.”

Russell is satisfied with his career

He said, “Honestly? No. I believe in Test cricket, but at the end of the day I am a professional. It was not part of my journey. I have no regrets because I didn’t turn my back on myself.”