KKR’s Andre Russell (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra) NEW DELHI: In a city that worships its cricketing heroes, Tuesday night was all about Andre Russell. During a live pre-season event called Knights Unplugged in Kolkata, Kolkata Knight Riders made a huge announcement: they retired the number 12 jersey in Russell’s honour. This means that no player will ever wear this number for the team again.KKR CEO Venky Mysore gave his thanks on stage saying, “Your honour, we would like to retire this number for KKR,” acknowledging how Russell has made the jersey iconic with his powerful performances.
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Gujarat Titans believe ahead of IPL 2026: ‘We are here to win, not participate’Before the last IPL auction, there was speculation that Russell might leave KKR. But he has already made his feelings clear in a personal video that he will only play for KKR or not play in IPL at all. Now, instead of playing, he has taken on a new role as the team’s Power Coach, helping younger players improve their finishing skills.Looking back at his journey, Russell felt emotional. Over the years, he scored 2,651 runs at an explosive strike rate and took 123 wickets, playing a key role in KKR’s title wins.“I got a little emotional watching that video,” Russell admitted.“It’s been over ten years of amazing success, being part of two title-winning teams. To see what it’s meant to everyone… that’s another treat. World Cups are special. When you win the IPL, it’s something else. The last one we won, I had tears in my eyes.”“When you leave everything on the field, you won’t regret leaving the game,” he said.“Every game I played I played as if it was the last game of my IPL career.Now excited about coaching, he said, “I don’t regret being in this role. I’m excited,” and appreciated working with coaches like Abhishek Nayar and Shane Watson.KKR also named Rinku Singh as vice-captain under Ajinkya Rahane in the build-up to the new season.
