Andre Russell Announces Retirement From IPL After Being Released By KKR

In his retirement message, Andre Russell recalled his great memories with KKR, highlighting the six-hitting and match-winning moments in the IPL.

Andre Russell Announces Retirement From IPL After Being Released By KKR

Andre Russell announced his shock retirement from the IPL, now appointed KKR coach. (via Hindustan Times)

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Days before the 2026 IPL auction, West Indies icon Andre Russell surprised fans by announcing his decision to retire from the competition. The 37-year-old is all set to join his former franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, for the upcoming IPL season as their ‘Power Coach’.

One of the finest T20 all-rounders of all time, Andre Russell’s IPL career began with the Delhi Daredevils in 2012. He spent the following two seasons in Delhi, but got limited opportunities. After being acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014, Russell then went on to make a name for himself. In 140 IPL matches, he boasts 2,651 runs at an blistering strike-rate of 174.18, which is among the highest in the league. 

Russell was equally impactful with the ball, picking up 123 wickets at a remarkable average of 23.28, making him one of the very few players to record a rare double of 2000+ runs and 100+ wickets in the IPL. The Jamaican superstar spent 11 at KKR, helped the Knight Riders triumph in the IPL final twice, in 2014 and 2024. Russell also won the IPL Most Valuable Player award twice, in 2015 and 2018. 

However, a noticeable decline in his recent form, given he only managed 167 runs and eight wickets in the 2025 IPL season, raised questions over his lasting form and fitness. It ultimately led to KKR releasing him ahead of the 2026 auction, to free up funds for a new and young all-round option. The Caribbean star, still in good touch, was initially expected to be a part of the IPL auction pool, until he announced his shock retirement from the league.

Andre Russell will now join Abhishek Nayar’s coaching entourage at KKR, as the franchise’s new ‘power’ coach. He shared his decision on social media, where he revealed that he retired after having conversed with KKR co-owners Shah Rukh Khan and Venky Mysore.

The Jamaican star further noted that he even felt that the time was right for him to retire from the IPL, as he did not wish to fade out, while wittily adding that he did not want to play for any other franchise other than KKR, in IPL 2026. 

I had some amazing times and great memories [in the IPL], hitting sixes, winning games, getting MVPs. When I made this decision, I felt like it was the best decision at this point. I don’t want to fade out, I want to leave a legacy behind.

Russell did mention that he would continue to represent the Knight Riders in other franchise leagues around the world. He is a part of Caribbean Premier League side Trinbago Knight Riders, even guiding the team to its fifth title earlier this year. 

Players KKR might target in 2026 IPL auction, Cameron Green as Andre Russell’s replacement?

The 2026 IPL auction is expected to be all the more interesting, given Kolkata Knight Riders are in the market for a long-term replacement for West Indies’ icon Andre Russell. Russell was released by the franchise, following which he has now decided to retire from the IPL.

Andre Russell KKR replacement
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green could replace Andre Russell at KKR. (via News 18)

KKR released nine players ahead of the 2026 auction, including some big names like Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, Anrich Nortje, Quinton de Kock, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. They trimmed their squad to 12 players, and have a remaining budget of INR 64.30 crores, going into the 2026 IPL auction, the highest among all other franchises. Thereafter, KKR has the money to go after the top names, in the auction.

Securing a replacement for Andre Russell will be difficult, given the Jamaican contributed equally with the bat and the ball. Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, given his recent exploits in the shortest format of the game, might be considered. He might not be a like-for-like replacement for Russell, given Green is known more for his role as a middle-order aggressor than a finisher, but remains a good fit.

KKR will also be in search for an opener, a wicket-keeper batter and an overseas fast bowler in the auction. Tim Seifert, Matt Henry, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, and Matheesha Pathirana, might be on their radar.

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