Andre Russell questions Virat Kohli's statement that IPL is five levels below Test cricket

Andre Russell has responded to Virat Kohli’s comment calling IPL win ‘five levels below’ Test cricket. Russell suggested T20s are just as important and highlighted the challenges faced by West Indies players in red-ball cricket. read more

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has reacted to Virat Kohli’s recent comment, where he said that winning the IPL is “five levels below” Test cricket. Kohli had made this statement after winning his maiden IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Tuesday, 3 June. RCB defeated Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final by 6 runs.

Kohli: IPL win five levels below Test cricket

After the win, Kohli said, “This moment is right up there with the best moments I’ve had in my career. But it still marks five levels under Test cricket. That’s how much I value Test cricket. And that’s how much I love Test cricket. So I would just urge the youngsters coming through to treat that format with respect.”

Russell shared his thoughts in an interview with The Guardian, where he said that he doesn’t look down on T20 cricket and believes it is just as important as any other format. Russell said that for players from the West Indies, the situation is not the same as for players from countries like India, Australia or England.

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“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,” Russell said.

Russell explains why it’s different for West Indies players

He explained that in those countries, players get big central contracts and play on the biggest stages, so it makes sense that they would prioritise Test cricket. But in the West Indies, even if you play 50 or 100 Tests, there is often not much support from the local board after retirement.

“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,” Russell said.

“I was basically pushed out of the Test set-up. They saw me as more of a white-ball player and that was that,” he added.

When asked if he had any regrets about not playing much Test cricket, Russell said, “Honestly? No. I believe in Test cricket, but at the end of the day, I’m a professional. It wasn’t part of my journey. I have no regrets because it wasn’t me that turned my back.”

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