Andre Russell spotted in IPL Rival kit after being released by KKR

In one of the most shocking moves in IPL history, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) stunned everyone by releasing the legendary West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell just months before IPL 2026. The three-time champions decided to part ways with one of their biggest icons, Andre Russell, ending a decade-long journey that began in 2014.

Russell, known for his brutal hitting and match-changing spells, failed to impress in the 2025 season, which led to this unexpected decision despite his contribution to KKR being nothing short of legendary.

Andre Russell released by KKR before IPL 2026 Auction

He was instrumental in KKR’s title triumphs in 2014 and again in 2024, turning games single-handedly with both bat and ball. Over the years, Russell featured in 133 matches for KKR in the Indian T20 league, amassing 2593 runs, and picked up 122 wickets.

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Having made his IPL debut with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Russell has a total of 2651 runs to his name. Apart from Russell, KKR also released eight more players, including their ₹23.75 crore signing, Venkatesh Iyer.

The leg-spinner Mayank Markande has been traded to the Mumbai Indians. With these bold moves, the Kolkata Knight Riders are heading into the IPL 2026 auction on December 16 with a massive purse of ₹64.30 crore.

Andre Russell sparks buzz as viral video in yellow kit fuels CSK rumours

Meanwhile, Andre Russell is currently gearing up for the Abu Dhabi T10 league, where the explosive all-rounder is all set to represent the Deccan Gladiators in the tournament. Abu Dhabi T10 is all set to get underway on November 18 with Quetta Qalandars taking on Northern Warriors at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

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Currently, a video is going viral on social media, where Russell was seen training in the Deccan Gladiators’ kit in Abu Dhabi. However, the yellow-colored jersey left fans in a frenzy, with many suggesting the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bring the hard-hitter on board.

Yellow looks so good on Andre Russell. pic.twitter.com/lDDOdidlUA

— Prasanna (@prasannalara) November 17, 2025

Deccan Gladiators Squad:

Laurie Evans, Mark Chapman, Nicholas Pooran (c), Tom Kohler-Cadmore (w), Marcus Stoinis, Andre Russell, Jordan Thompson, Richard Gleeson, Lahiru Kumara, Akeal Hosein, Jake Ball, Muhammad Jawadullah, Ajay Kumar, Dilpreet Bajwa, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Ali Raza, Usman Tariq, Ibrar Ahmad

Meanwhile, the former Indian batter Mohammed Kaif blamed the KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar for releasing Russell.

Kaif stated, “Russell’s release is not right. You had him at 12 crore, and that is not a big amount really for a player like him. He is a once-in-a-generation player.

He added, “Yes, he was out of form, but later on he scored runs too. But as coaches change, they bring some changes. I think this was a big call."

"You can say he was not at his peak, but I feel this is such a format, especially in the IPL, where experienced players do well and there are many examples. I feel the straight answer to his release is Abhishek Nayar. He wants to make his own team now. But this was an astonishing call.”