Caribbean powerhouse striker Andre Russell has been released from Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The former Indian cricketer has blamed this release on the newly appointed head coach of KKR Abhishek Nair.
Andre Russell has been an exceptional cricketer in the IPL as he has played in the IPL for many years. He has been playing for Kolkata Knight Riders for 11 years since coming to the Knight Riders camp in 2014.
Andre Russell announced his retirement from T20Is this year, as the 37-year-old cricketer scored 2600 runs while he also took 122 wickets for the franchise over the years. He was named Most Valuable Player for KKR twice in 2015 and 2019.
“But as coaches change, they bring some changes.” Mohammad Kaif’s big statement on Abhishek Nair
Russell was known to have a big impact on KKR’s setup. However, after his release, former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif feels that things would not have changed if Abhishek Nair had not been appointed as the new head coach.
Mohammad Kaif said, “Russell’s release is not right. You bought him for Rs 12 crore, and that’s not really a big amount for a player like him. He is a once-in-a-generation player. Yes, he was out of form, but later he also scored runs. But as coaches change, they bring some changes. I think it was a big decision.”
Mohammad Kaif further claimed that the direct reason behind Andre Russell’s release was the appointment of Abhishek Nair as head coach. Nair is perhaps keen to present his own version.
Kaif said on his YouTube channel, “You can say he was not at his peak, but I think this is a format, especially in the IPL, where experienced players perform well and there are many examples of that. I think his release is a direct answer to Abhishek Nair. He wants to build his own team now. But it was a surprising call.”
KKR unlikely to find Russell’s option in mini-auction
After releasing a player of Andre Russell’s calibre, Mohammad Kaif revealed that despite their huge purse, they may not be able to attract a player of Russell’s calibre.
Mohammad Kaif said, “The quality and strength that Russell has, even four players like Cameron Green cannot cover. The way he plays, he can hit 100 meter sixes at will and he has won many games in situations where it seemed that the game was lost. He has got this respect because of this ability. There are very few players like him at number seven.”
Kaif said, “If you play Green at number seven, he cannot score even half the runs of Russell, he bats higher up the order. I think they should buy Russell back.”
Can KKR buy back Andre Russell in mini-auction?
This is a clear message that Andre Russell is hoping to move on from his former franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders. He was released after being bought for Rs 12 crore before the mega-auction.
KKR still has the overseas slots as well as a big purse. They may get the services of Andre Russell back, but this time at a lower price than before. However, even before the mini-auction, it has been revealed that CSK are in line for the experienced all-rounder.
Also read: Glenn Maxwell will not register for IPL 2026 auction
