Andre Russell announces IPL retirement, KKR instantly pick him for 1st ever role in Indian cricket
Published - 30 Nov 2025, 12:35 PM | Updated - 30 Nov 2025, 12:48 PM
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, Russell would join the Kolkata-based franchise coaching staff as their power coach for the IPL 2026.
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, including 13 half-centuries. The right-arm fast bowler took 124 wickets at an average of 22.08 and an economy rate of 9.38, including a five-wicket haul and two four-wicket hauls.
Andre Russell Announces His Retirement from the IPL Ahead of the Mini Auction
Andre Russell confirmed that he is retiring from the Indian Premier League. He thanked the Kolkata Knight Riders and their supporters for the affection they showed him over 12 seasons. Russell added that while his IPL chapter has closed, fans will continue to see him play in T20 leagues across the world.
"Hello KKR fans. I'm here today, to tell you that I’ve made a decision to retire from the IPL. I will still be active playing in various leagues around the world and for all the other KKR franchises. I had some amazing times and great memories (in the IPL), hitting sixes, winning games, getting MVPs... "
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I Felt Weird To See Myself In Any Colour - 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 picture himself playing in colours other than Kolkata Knight Riders’ purple and gold.
"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. It's best to retire when fans ask "why? You still have some more in you. You still could go for a bit longer." instead of "yeah, you should have done it years back."
"When you are going through social media, you keep seeing yourself photoshopped in different jerseys (of other teams). I felt weird to see myself in any colour other than purple & gold and those thoughts kept going through my head, leading me to a few sleepless nights."
Andre Russell Set to Join Kolkata Knight Riders as Power Coach for IPL 2026
Andre Russell shared that he will remain part of the Kolkata Knight Riders setup. He revealed that he will take on a new role as KKR’s power coach for the 2026 season, saying he is excited to begin this next chapter while continuing to carry the same passion for the franchise.
"So Kolkata, I'll be back. I'm here to say 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 felt that describes Andre Russell the best, because the power that I possess when I bat, the energy that I show in the field with ball in hand, I can help in any department."
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