On Sunday, West Indies star all-rounder Andre Russell announced something big. He retired from IPL, but will continue as a member of Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026 season.
Andre Russell IPL retirement
Andre Russell has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League ( IPL) . Sharing his decision in an Instagram post, he stated that while he may be leaving the field, he will remain a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders ( KKR) family. The Kolkata Knight Riders recently released Andre Russell from the team , and it was believed he would enter the auction . However, he has now decided not to play in the IPL and will play a key role in the coaching staff.
Russell made his IPL debut in 2012 with the Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils ) . He then joined KKR in 2014. He played a total of 140 matches during his IPL career and performed exceptionally well. During this period, he scored 2651 runs in 115 innings, averaging 28.20 and striking at 174.17. He also excelled with the ball , taking 123 wickets in 121 innings. In his final IPL season, he scored 167 runs in 10 innings and took 8 wickets .
Russell announced his retirement via an Instagram post. He wrote , ” I’m retiring from the IPL … but not the swagger . The IPL has been a wonderful journey. 12 seasons of memories, and lots of love from the KKR family. I ‘ll still be hitting sixes and taking wickets in other leagues around the world . And the best part? I’m not leaving home… You’ll see me in a new role as a Power Coach in the KKR support staff from 2026. New chapter. Same energy. Forever a Knight . ”
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Andre Russell has won two IPL titles during his career . He was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders ‘ winning teams in 2014 and 2024. He also won the IPL MVP award twice, in 2015 and 2019. However, his performance has declined significantly in recent seasons, leading to the team not retaining him.
