Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) legend andre russell Has revealed the real reason behind his decision to retire from Indian Premier League (IPL)Having said that, he preferred to walk out in fear of the opposition bowlers rather than continue until the fans felt he had reached his peak.
In an interview with Cricbuzz, the 37-year-old said that he wants his IPL legacy to reflect the global icons who finished their careers on top. Russell explained that for him the ideal moment of retirement was when people still wondered “Why now?” instead of “Why is he still playing?”
The West Indies powerhouse stressed that he never wants to reach a position where fans say he should retire “Three or four years ago.” He believes retiring now protects the aura he has built as one of T20 cricket’s most destructive all-rounders.
Andre Russell’s retirement inspired by the timely exit of Usain Bolt and AB de Villiers
Russell said his decision was prompted by the retirements of elite athletes such as Usain Bolt and AB de VilliersWhich was moved aside while still being effective. He felt that that approach ensured that his legacies remained untouched by degradation.
Take Usain Bolt or AB de Villiers, for example. When those guys took off their shoes while at the top of their game, a lot of fans were asking, “Why?” When I made this decision, I felt it was the best decision for me at this time. I don’t want to disappear; I want to leave behind a legacy. I believe it’s best to retire when people are still asking “why”, rather than getting to the point where they say, ‘Well, yes, you should have retired three or four years ago.” Russell said.
Russell also explained how his new job title at KKR – Power Coach – was born.
He revealed that KKR CEO Venky Mysore came up with the idea and as soon as he heard the designation, he knew it was a perfect extension of his on-field identity.
“To be honest, when I heard that name from Mr. Venky, I said, Hmm, it perfectly describes Dre Russ, which describes Andre Russell… Because when it comes to what I’m doing on the field – the power I have when I bat, the energy I show on the field with the ball in my hand – I thought, yes, that name sounds good: Power Coach,” He added.
Also read: Andre Russell’s Wife – Meet Jassim Lora, an American fashion model. pictures inside
Russell’s IPL numbers define his legacy
In 140 IPL matches, Russell produced statistics that few all-rounders can match:
- 2,651 runs at an average of 28.20
- Shocking 174.93 strike rate
- 11 fifties, highest score 88 runs not out
- 170 fours and 209 sixes
- 123 wickets, average 20.27, economy 9.07
- Best bowling: 4/20
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