Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) superstar Andre Russell has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League, a move that marks the end of a glittering chapter.
The decision follows KKR’s choice not to retain the dynamic 37-year-old all-rounder for the 2026 season. After this, Russell decided to retire from playing in the IPL, marking the beginning of his transition off the field.
Despite retiring as a player, Russell’s involvement with the purple and gold continues. Immediately after his retirement announcement, KKR appointed him as the team’s “power coach” for the upcoming season, ensuring a smooth transition from player to coach within the organization.
The announcement came directly from Russell via a heartfelt video message.
“I’ve decided to retire from the IPL,” Russell stated.
“I’ll still be active playing in various leagues all around the world and all the other KKR franchises. I had an amazing time and great memories, hitting sixes, winning games, MVP and all of those things.”
He elaborated on his philosophy behind the decision, emphasizing a desire to leave at the peak of his reputation. “But sometimes you just have to know when to hang up the boots. I don’t want to fade out, I want to leave a legacy.”
Russell, a KKR fixture since 2014, helped deliver two IPL titles —i n his debut season and again in 2024.
His individual peak came in 2019 when he earned the IPL’s Most Valuable Player award. In 133 appearances, the Jamaican hard hitter scored 2,593 runs at a staggering strike rate of 174.96, clubbing 220 sixes and 12 half-centuries.
With the ball, he was equally powerful, claiming 122 wickets and taking 40 catches. His 16 Player-of-the-Match awards for KKR are second only to his teammate Sunil Narine.
Russell secures his place in the exclusive history of the IPL. He is one of only two players, alongside Chennai’s Ravindra Jadeja, to achieve the mammoth double of 2,000 runs and 100 wickets in the tournament.
