Loyalty at its best! Andre Russell retires from IPL after KKR releases him, franchise immediately offers a 'unique' coaching role

Andre Russell won the IPL in 2014 and 2024 with Kolkata Knight Riders.

After being released by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the eagerly anticipated mini auction, former West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday.  

From 2014 to 2025, Russell participated in 139 team games. With a strike rate of 175.09 and an average of 28.58, he amassed 2,658 runs, including 13 half-centuries. With an economy rate of 9.38 and an average of 22.08, the right-arm fast bowler claimed 124 wickets, including two four-wicket and five-wicket hauls.

“Hi KKR fans, Dre Ross here. Just want to give you guys the big news. I made a decision to retire from the IPL. I’ll still be active playing in various leagues all around the world and for all the other KKR franchises. I had some amazing times and great memories, hitting sixes, winning games, MVP, and all of those things.

But when I made this decision, I just felt like, yes, this is the best decision. I don’t want to fade out. I want to leave a legacy, and it’s best to retire when fans ask why you still have some more in you. You still could go for a bit longer than to say, “Yeah, you should have done it years back,” Russell stated in a video on his social media. =

He thanked the KKR management, including CEO Venky Mysore and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, for showing him respect by accepting his decision.

Russell is the second big name to end his IPL career, as Faf du Plessis had done the same a day before, calling time on his 14-year IPL career, after being released by Delhi Capitals before the IPL 2026 auction.

I’ll be a part of the KKR support staff: Andre Russell to be the first-ever power-coach in IPL history

Andre Russell revealed that he will continue to play for the KKR. He disclosed that he will assume a new position as KKR’s power coach for the 2026 campaign, stating that he is eager to start this new chapter while maintaining the same enthusiasm for the team.

“So, Kolkata, I’ll be back. I’m here now just to say that I’ll be a part of the KKR support staff. When I heard that name, you know, coming from Mr. Venky, I said, You know, power coach. That described Dre Russ. You know, that described Andre Russell because the power that I possess when I bat and the energy that I show in the field with the ball in hand, I can help in any department. So see you soon. And Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo,” Russell signed out.

Here is the video:

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