Russell announces IPL retirement but stays with Kolkata
Andre Russell has officially retired from the Indian Premier League, ending a legendary run with the Kolkata Knight Riders that spanned over a decade. The 37-year-old made the announcement in a video posted on his Twitter and Instagram accounts, confirming he will not play in IPL 2026 but will remain with KKR as part of their support staff.
“I’m here today, to tell you that I’ve made a decision to retire from the IPL. I will still be active playing in various leagues around the world and for all the other KKR franchises,” Andre Russell said in a video posted on his Twitter account.
His retirement comes just weeks after KKR released him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Rather than enter the pool for another team, Russell decided to walk away from the league as a player—on his own terms.
“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 ago,’” Russell said.
From IPL powerhouse to KKR coaching staff
Russell made his debut for KKR in 2014 and went on to become one of the franchise’s most iconic players. He played every season for the team from 2014 to 2025, except in 2017 when he served a one-year ban. Across his career, he was central to KKR’s title wins in 2014 and 2024 and was named IPL MVP twice—in 2015 and 2019.
Knights Army, presenting your 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐎𝐀𝐂𝐇 💪💜 pic.twitter.com/sOLEnEMCva
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) November 30, 2025
He is inevitable. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/O3nMTxcdU6
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) November 30, 2025
The all-rounder now transitions into a new role as KKR’s power coach for the 2026 season—an appointment announced by the franchise across its social media platforms. Confirming the role himself, Russell said, “So Kolkata, I’ll be back. I’m here to say I will be a part of the KKR support staff as the new Power Coach in 2026.”
He also shared how the title resonates with him. “When I heard that name – ‘Power Coach’, I felt that describes Andre Russell the best, because the power that I possess when I bat, the energy that I show in the field with ball in hand, I can help in any department.”
Emotional farewell to the fans and the franchise
Russell’s bond with KKR runs deep, and in a farewell message posted on social media, he paid tribute to the franchise and its supporters.
“Hanging up my IPL boots… but not the swagger 💜💛 What a ride it’s been in the IPL — 12 seasons of memories, and a whole lot of love from the @KKRiders family 🙏🏿 I’ll still be smashing sixes and taking wickets in every other league around the world 🌎🔥 And the best part? I’m not leaving home… you’ll see me in a new role, in KKR’s Support Staff, as the POWER COACH of 2026 💪🏿🏏 New chapter. Same energy. Forever a Knight,” he wrote on X/Instagram.
He also reflected on the emotional side of the decision: “You know, we’re a part of the Instagram world. So when you’re going through your feed, you keep seeing yourself in different jerseys. And I’m like, I look weird in that jersey. And it’s just those thoughts that’s been going through my head. I have a few sleepless nights.”
Russell credited the KKR leadership for helping shape this next chapter. “There have been a lot of conversations between me and Mr. Venky Mysore and also Mr. Shah Rukh Khan, about another chapter in my IPL journey. They have shown me love and respect and have appreciate whatever I’ve been doing on the field. To be in a setup that’s familiar, matters to me a lot.”
Hanging up my IPL boots… but not the swagger 💜💛
What a ride it’s been in the IPL — 12 seasons of memories, and a whole lot of love from the @KKRiders family 🙏🏿
I’ll still be smashing sixes and taking wickets in every other league around the world 🌎🔥
And the best part?… pic.twitter.com/S5kU0YFRcR
— Andre Russell (@Russell12A) November 30, 2025
KKR and Shah Rukh Khan thank ‘Muscle Russell’ for his legacy
Following the announcement, Kolkata Knight Riders thanked Russell publicly in a post across their social channels, writing: “12 years, a million memories. Thank you for everything @Russell12A 💜🫶”
1️⃣2️⃣ years, a million memories. Thank you for everything @Russell12A 💜🫶 pic.twitter.com/ijzY68fAdG
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) November 30, 2025
KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan also shared an emotional tribute on Twitter. “Thank you for the wonderful memories, Andre. Our Knight in shining armour!!! Your contribution to KKR is one for the books… and here’s to another chapter in your fantastic journey as a sportsman… The power coach – passing down the wisdom, the muscle and of course the power down to our boys in purple and gold…”
In the same tweet, he added: “And yes, any other jersey would indeed look weird on you, my man… Muscle Russell for life! Love u… on behalf of the team and everyone who loves the sport!!”
Thank you for the wonderful memories, Andre. Our Knight in shining armour!!! Your contribution to @KKRiders is one for the books… and here’s to another chapter in your fantastic journey as a sportsman… The power coach – passing down the wisdom, the muscle and of course the… https://t.co/P9l6gBwoXR
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) November 30, 2025
As Russell prepares to guide the next generation at KKR, his journey in purple and gold continues—not with sixes and wickets, but with experience, mentorship, and the same unmistakable energy that made him one of the most feared players in IPL history.
