Former West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell on Sunday announced his retirement from the IPL after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the much-awaited mini auction. However, the experienced cricketer will join the coaching staff of the Kolkata-based franchise for IPL 2026 as their power coach.
Russell played 139 matches for the team from 2014 to 2025. He scored 2,658 runs at an average of 28.58 and a strike rate of 175.09, which included 13 half-centuries. The right-arm fast bowler took 124 wickets at an average of 22.08 and an economy rate of 9.38, which included two five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls.
Andre Russell announces retirement from IPL before mini auction
Andre Russell confirmed that he is retiring from the Indian Premier League. He thanked Kolkata Knight Riders and their supporters for the affection shown over 12 seasons. Russell said that although his IPL chapter has closed, fans will continue to see him play in T20 leagues around the world.
“Hello KKR fans. I am here today to tell you that I have decided to retire from the IPL. I will still be actively playing in various leagues around the world and for all the other KKR franchises. I had some amazing times and good memories (in the IPL), hitting sixes, winning games, getting the MVP…”
It seemed strange to me to see myself in any color – Andre Russell
The 37-year-old also shared that seeing edited images of himself in other teams’ jerseys made him uncomfortable, as he couldn’t imagine himself playing in any other colors other than the purple and gold of Kolkata Knight Riders.
“When I made this decision, I felt it was the best decision at this time. I don’t want to fade away, I want to leave a legacy behind. When fans ask “Why?”, it’s best to retire. You still have something more in you. You can still go a little longer.” Instead of “Yeah, you should have done this years ago.”
“When you’re on social media, you keep seeing yourself photoshopped into different jerseys (of other teams). I found it weird to see myself in any color other than purple and gold and those thoughts kept running through my mind, causing me some sleepless nights.”
Andre Russell set to join Kolkata Knight Riders as power coach for IPL 2026
Andre Russell shared that he will continue to be a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders setup. He revealed that he will be taking up a new role as KKR’s power coach for the 2026 season, adding that he is excited to begin this next chapter while continuing to bring the same passion for the franchise.
“So Kolkata, I will be back. I am here to say that I will be a part of the KKR support staff as the new power coach in 2026.”
“When I heard that name – ‘Power Coach’, I thought it best describes Andre Russell, because the power I have when I bat, the energy I show on the field with the ball in my hand, I can help in any department.”
Also read: Virat Kohli uses BCCI platform to hit back at Ajit Agarkar’s non-committal decision
