NS Criticizes Kasane’s Struggles in L1ga Team and Suggests a Fresh Start
Popular Dota 2 streamer and analyst Yaroslav “NS” Kuznetsov has shared his thoughts on the recent performances of offlaner Ilyas “kasane” Gainullin, who currently plays for L1ga Team. Speaking during a livestream, NS suggested that kasane looks uncomfortable in his new environment, noting that the player who once impressed in TSM seems to have lost his confidence and identity since joining L1ga.
NS did not blame kasane alone for the poor showings, instead pointing to team dynamics as the root cause. According to him, the talented offlaner has “disappeared” within the team structure, playing passively and without the same impact that once made him such a highly valued addition to professional rosters.NS began by emphasizing that kasane is a strong player with proven potential, recalling his performances for TSM and earlier stints under the Team Undying and Tundra Esports banners. However, he argued that the version of kasane currently visible in L1ga is unrecognizable.
A Bright Talent That Looks Lost
“Kasane is lost in this team,” NS explained. “It’s a problem of the team, not the player. He was a very bright player, but here he has simply dissolved. Why? I don’t know. Maybe he’s nervous, maybe they don’t let him do what he wants to do. But the kasane we see in L1ga is not the player you’d want on your team. The kasane who played in TSM is someone you would want. The one playing here isn’t.”
NS described kasane’s games as passive and ineffective, remarking that in match after match, he appears to have no influence on the outcome. For a role as important as the offlane, this lack of presence is particularly damaging, as it deprives the team of initiations, map control, and leadership in the early-to-mid game.The streamer went further by analyzing how internal communication issues and interpersonal dynamics may have contributed to kasane’s struggles. In his view, it is not uncommon for talented players to underperform if they feel unheard or undervalued within a roster.
“What if he’s trying to make calls, but no one listens?” NS asked rhetorically. “He says something once, and people ignore him. He says it again, they interrupt him — ‘quiet, quiet.’ He says it a third time, finally they listen, but the execution isn’t good. Then they turn on him, saying: ‘Why did we even do that?’ After that, he shuts down. He doesn’t want to call anymore, doesn’t want to propose anything. That’s how players lose their confidence.”
Such scenarios, NS noted, are not unique to L1ga Team. Many players flourish in environments where their voices are respected and where they feel trusted to make decisions. In the wrong environment, however, the same players can shrink and begin to doubt themselves, losing the assertiveness that defines great competitors. “This might not be exactly what’s happening with kasane,” he clarified, “but it feels like something along those lines. Players can shine brightly in the right team and become completely closed off in the wrong one. Right now, it looks like this isn’t his place. It’s like he needs to run away from this team immediately, to find somewhere he feels comfortable.”
Kasane’s Career and Future Prospects
Kasane joined L1ga Team in January 2024, part of a roster aimed at making waves on the international stage. The squad showed glimpses of promise, finishing second in the BetBoom Dacha Dubai 2024 qualifiers, but has since struggled to build consistency. Prior to L1ga, kasane gained recognition during his time with TSM, where he competed at the highest level of North American Dota. His earlier experience with Team Undying and later Tundra Esports also helped him establish a reputation as a solid and versatile offlaner.
However, NS’s comments suggest that kasane’s current trajectory may not allow him to fulfill his potential. The streamer strongly implied that a transfer to another roster could reignite his career. For kasane, finding a team that values his calls, supports his playstyle, and allows him to play with confidence may be the key to unlocking the same level of performance that made him stand out in TSM. As the Dota 2 scene continues to shift, and with qualification events for major tournaments always on the horizon, opportunities for roster changes will inevitably arise. Whether kasane remains in L1ga Team or decides to seek a fresh start could shape the next stage of his professional journey.
