Kolkata Knight Riders’ iconic all-rounder Andre Russell has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League, ending his decade-long association with the franchise. The 37-year-old will now move into a support staff role with KKR as the team’s new ‘Power Coach’ from the 2026 season. Russell made the announcement on Instagram and addressed KKR fans directly. “I have decided to retire from IPL. I will continue to play actively in various leagues around the world and for all other KKR franchises,” he wrote. He reflected fondly on his IPL career, recalling the sixes, match-winners and MVP awards that made him one of the most feared T20 players in the world.
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Explaining his timing, Russell said, “I don’t want to fade away. I want to leave a legacy. It’s best to retire when the fans are asking ‘why? You still have something more in you,’ instead of ‘yeah, you should have done it years ago'” He also admitted that seeing him photographed in jerseys of other franchises and golden franchises made him realize his strong attachment to KKR. Russell thanked the KKR management for their support in this transition. “There have been many conversations between me and Mr. Venky Mysore and also Mr. Shah Rukh Khan. They have shown me love and respect and appreciated everything I have done on the field. Being in a setting that is familiar is very important.” As KKR’s Power Coach, Russell plans to pass on his unique expertise and energy to the next generation. “When I heard that name — ‘Power Coach’ — I felt like it best describes Andre Russell because the power I have when I hit, the energy I show in the field with the ball in my hand, I can help in any department,” he said. Russell’s IPL legacy is monumental: two-time champion KKR (2014 and 2024), 223 sixes (joint seventh in all-time), 16 Player-of-the-Match awards and IPL Player of the Tournament 2019. In 139 appearances, Russell has become synonymous with KKR’s identity through fearsome batting, explosive death bowling and unrivaled fielding. He ended with a heartfelt message to the fans, “So Kolkata, I’ll be back. Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo.” Russell’s retirement from IPL cricket marks the end of an era, but his journey with KKR enters a new chapter – this time off the field, shaping future stars.
