Kolkata, PTI: Embattled Kolkata Knight Riders' skipper Dinesh Karthik says he is "aware of bickering and back-biting", amid speculations around leadership and batting order in his team.

KKR snapped a six-match losing streak with a 34-run win over Mumbai Indians at the Eden Gardens on Sunday, days after questions were raised about Andre Russell's batting position, with the West Indian power-hitter himself expressing a desire to bat higher at No 4.

"It's a high-pressure sport, a high octane tournament, you've got to make sure everybody's in a great space, give them the best chance to do well and stay healthy," Karthik said after KKR's win over Mumbai Indians.

"A lot of bickering and back-biting can go on in these sorts of situations. I'm very aware of it and (I) make sure nothing like that happens.

"At the end of the day, it's a game. You play the best that you can. You need to keep a smile. You need to be nice to others. Everybody's trying hard."

Regarding Russell, who has been in tremendous form, the keeper-batsman was impressed with his maturity.

"Russell is a great player, he's a special player and it's good to see him grow as a player. The maturity he's showing is great to see."