Andre Russell’s KKR release planned ahead of IPL 2026 auction
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Former Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer Aaron Finch has sparked a debate over KKR veteran Andre Russell, who, in his opinion, should be released ahead of the mini-auction, as he might draw in a good trade deal.
Andre Russell joined the KKR camp back in 2014 and was part of KKR's second title win under skipper Gautam Gambhir. Russell was instrumental in KKR's race to the triumph in 2024. With two IPL trophies and two MVP awards for KKR, he is their finest cricketer on show.
However, the big Jamaican had a modest outing in 2025. He amassed just 167 runs with the bat and picked just 8 wickets in the entire 14-match stint. Moreover, Russell could not lead KKR to a win against PBKS when they were chasing just 112 runs in New Chandigarh.
KKR can draw in huge trade from Andre Russell, opines former KKR star
Speaking to Star Sports, former Australian captain Aaron Finch, who once played for KKR in the IPL, opined that Andre Russell should be released by the Knight Riders as that could draw them a great trade and bolster their purse ahead of the mini-auction.
"Contentious one. Fold. But I think that you could get a great trade. But we know that they are not going to do it. They will never release Dre Rus," said Finch.
However, Finch contradicted himself, saying the Knight Riders would never part ways with Andre Russell until he retires from the IPL. He also opined that the Knights should release Quinton de Kock and Venkatesh Iyer from the squad while retaining Spencer Johnson.
Will KKR part ways with Quinton de Kock despite his international comeback?
Finch's thoughts might be proven wrong, since Spencer Johnson, who has been nowhere in International or domestic cricket headlines, and there is a possibility that he isn't a retention option. However, Quinton de Kock, who did not have the best of outings last season in the IPL, has made a comeback to international cricket for South Africa.
De Kock had, anyway, shocked all with his sudden and early retirement despite great form. Conclusively, the lack of international exposure led to the massive dip in his form, and hence he has likely overturned his decision.
On his international comeback, Quinton de Kock has managed to emerge as South Africa's highest scorer and the player of the series in Pakistan ODIs despite their loss in the series. He also scored a century on his comeback to white-ball cricket.
KKR likely to part ways with Venkatesh Iyer's huge price tag
Not sure on QDK, KKR should surely let go their vice captain and batting all-rounder, Venkatesh Iyer. Iyer, bought for a whopping INR 23.75 Crores, could manage just 148 runs in the season with one fifty and an average of around 20.
After such a modest effort, Iyer surely doesn't deserve the price tag of his and should be released by the Knight Riders when they announce their list of retained players. Some other names, like Moeen Ali, might also be part of the released players list.
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Tagged:
IPL Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Ajinkya Rahane Quinton de Kock Andre Russell Venkatesh Iyer Abhishek Nayar
