West Indies great all-rounder Andre Russell has bid farewell to his IPL career, ending his prestigious journey with Kolkata Knight Riders (KRK). Andre Russell decided to retire from IPL after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Andre Russell ahead of IPL 2026 auction.
Russell was a part of Kolkata Knight Riders for 11 years, and he had always made it clear that he only wanted to play for KKR and once the franchise moved on, he decided to walk away from the IPL rather than join any other team.
Andre Russell retires from IPL, joins KKR as first “power coach” ahead of IPL 2026
But Russell’s story with KKR is not over yet. The T20 World Cup-winning captain will play a key role as the IPL’s first “Power Coach”, bringing his energy, experience and game-changing insights to mentor the next generation of players.
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Russell’s impact on the league is unforgettable. He played a key role in KKR’s title wins in 2014 and 2024, thrilling fans with his tremendous hitting and easy bowling spells.
I’m hanging up my IPL boots… but not the swagger
What a journey it’s been in the IPL – memories of 12 seasons, and lots of love @KKRiders family
I will still keep hitting sixes and taking wickets in every league around the world
And the best part?… pic.twitter.com/S5kU0YFRcR
-Andre Russell (@russell12a) 30 November 2025
After retiring from international cricket in July 2025, the former all-rounder focused on franchise cricket, and now he is ready to apply that experience to coaching in the IPL.
Here’s how fans reacted to Andre Russell’s IPL retirement:
Andre Russell retires from IPL!
One of the saddest days for every KKR fan. He has been the main man behind the success of KKR.
He is joining the coaching staff of KKR. pic.twitter.com/vRewApP8qO
– KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) 30 November 2025
Thank you for your services to KKR, Andre Russell
KKR legend forever. pic.twitter.com/fm7KzNjZJU
– Staunch India Supporter (@KKRWeRule) 30 November 2025
Andre Russell has announced his retirement from IPL
– Russell does not want to play for any other franchise, so he has taken this decision, The Loyalty. pic.twitter.com/5oTK8nlcyI
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 30 November 2025
Andre Russell joins KKR as their power coach.
End of an era. pic.twitter.com/fQ1PxLT5xS
– Rokte Amarr KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) 30 November 2025
Happy retirement, Andre Russell pic.twitter.com/sB0FWK9LhX
—` (@Itz_Bl3ze) 30 November 2025
Andre Russell announces retirement from IPL ~
CSK fans are dreaming of Russell becoming a finishing all-rounder ~ pic.twitter.com/3dU9V1s0h0
– Dharun_MC (@sunflower_boyy) 30 November 2025
Thanks Andre Russell for all the memories. You will always be a KKR legend and one of the greatest IPL cricketers. Love you Dre Russ
-Aditya Gursahani (@adityagursahani) 30 November 2025
End of Andre Russell
Will never see Eden Russ bat again pic.twitter.com/x5EGcfnSAr– The Scout Dugout (@TheScoutDugout) 30 November 2025
Andre Russell has announced his retirement from IPL.
– Russell does not want to play for any other franchise, so he has taken this decision, The Loyalty.#IPL2026 #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/N7QEtGMIUW
– Mayank Arya (@MMayankary) 30 November 2025
Thank you, Andre Russell.
Your performance in IPL gave many exciting moments to the fans. Best wishes to you in the next chapter of your life. #AndreRussell #IPLAuction #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/5584oCZBIR– Aman (@Unrealamann) 30 November 2025
Andre Russell has retired from IPL and has chosen to become the power coach of KKR
Apparently he is the first power coach of IPL
Thanks for the memories, Dre Russ pic.twitter.com/vEsvuqRC2d
– Criticism (@CRICitism) 30 November 2025
Most times 50+ runs and 1+ wicket in an IPL match:
9 times – Andre Russell
9 times – Jacques KallisThis is the KKR legacy..OG all rounders pic.twitter.com/1QVdnBMjfd
– Staunch India Supporter (@KKRWeRule) 30 November 2025
An era has ended.
IPL will not be realized without Andre Russell, who can change matches in a single over.
A legend is not leaving the field, he is leaving history behind. pic.twitter.com/aFqiVq2EYm– Satire (@at07islove) 30 November 2025
BREAKING: Andre Russell announces his retirement from IPL
A legend of the game calls it a day. Thanks for the unforgettable moments, Russell! Your strength, passion and presence will always be remembered. pic.twitter.com/4gIBoPTjjn
– Yamini Punter (@yaminipredicts) 30 November 2025
When you can’t face him anymore, you hire him.
Andre Russell retired from the IPL (as a player) and immediately joined the KKR staff as power coach.
Bowlers around the world are heaving a sigh of relief#andrescel #KKR #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/4eKeNQokjd– Mehra (@DevMehra790) 30 November 2025
Andre Russell’s IPL journey
Meanwhile, Andre Russell’s IPL journey will always be remembered as one of the most exciting stories of the league. From slow starts in Delhi to becoming KKR’s main superstar, his journey shows how he became one of the most dangerous T20 players in the world.
Russell played his first IPL match on 10 May 2012 for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He entered the tournament with a reputation for big hitting and fast bowling. But his early years were quiet. He got only a few matches in 2012 and 2013, but everything changed in 2014.
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That year, Kolkata Knight Riders signed him and it became a life-changing moment. This was not only a big step for Russell but also a big boost for KKR. In the same season, KKR won the IPL 2014 trophy and Russell soon became a favorite of the Kolkata fans.
Fans loved his strength, his fearless attitude and the energy he brought on the field. Since then, Russell has become the face of KKR’s strength and confidence. His batting was explosive, with shots flying into the stands at incredible pace. He was also an impressive bowler.
His athletic fielding added even more value. Over the years, he became a complete all-rounder, someone who could change a match in just a few balls. Russell played 140 matches in his IPL career, scored 2651 runs and took 1203 wickets.
