Andre Russell gets immediate buyer hours after being released by KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released veteran all-rounder Andre Russell after having retained him for ₹12 crore for the IPL 2025 season. KKR fans felt the former West Indian cricketer could have been backed, considering his match-winning performances for the team over the years.

The IPL teams revealed their retention and release lists for the 2026 auction on Saturday, November 15. However, a few decisions surprised fans and experts in the cricketing community. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) released the most players ahead of the mini-auction, letting go of 11 from their squad.

Andre Russell’s 11-Season Journey with Kolkata Knight Riders

Andre Russell has played for the Kolkata Knight Riders in 11 seasons since 2014. He played key roles in KKR’s two title-winning campaigns during his tenure, including the triumphs in 2014 and 2024. The all-rounder played for Delhi Capitals in the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

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Russell is known as one of the most destructive hitters in T20 cricket. He has scored 2651 runs in 115 innings at an average of 28.20 and an impressive strike rate of 174.18. With the ball, he has taken 123 wickets at an impressive average of 23.28 and an economy rate of 9.51.

The 37-year-old struggled during the IPL 2025 season. He scored 167 runs in 10 innings at an average of 18.56 and a strike rate of 163.73. With the ball, he bagged eight wickets at an economy rate of 11.94.

The Caribbean player also struggled in the CPL 2025. He scored only 89 runs in eight innings and picked up 12 wickets, but his spells were still on the expensive side.

Delhi Capitals Keen on Signing Star All-Rounder Andre Russell

Just hours after KKR released Andre Russell, reports emerged that other teams have shown interest. Rohit Juglan hinted that the Delhi Capitals are keen on signing the star all-rounder. There are also rumours on social media that the Chennai Super Kings are interested in the all-rounder.

"Hearing Delhi is also interested in Dre Russ Lets go," Juglan wrote on X (fomerly known as Twitter).

Hearing Delhi is also interested in Dre Russ
Lets go

— Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) November 15, 2025

Kolkata Knight Riders to Enter Mini-Auction With Largest Purse Among Teams

Kolkata Knight Riders (₹64.3 crore) will enter the mini-auction with the biggest purse among all teams in the league after releasing Andre Russell and several other overseas players, including Moeen Ali, Anrich Nortje, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Spencer Johnson.

The franchise also decided to part ways with Venkatesh Iyer following a disappointing season. Iyer, who was bought for ₹23.75 crore in the 2025 mega auction, scored only 142 runs in seven innings.

KKR have retained a strong core of 12 players, including Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi.

The franchise finished eighth in IPL 2025 and missed the playoffs under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy. KKR are now looking to reset under new head coach Abhishek Nayar. The team management might appoint a new captain for the upcoming season.

Also read: KL Rahul’s 39 in Kolkata sets record for lowest 'top score' in first two innings of a Test in India