Andre Russell has ended his IPL playing career after 12 years with Kolkata Knight Riders. The move comes just ahead of the 2026 season and marks the end of one of the most exciting all-round careers in the league.
KKR did not retain the 37-year-old for the 2026 auction. The decision surprised many fans, but it also opened up a large part of the team’s wallet. Soon after, Russell jumped straight into a new job as KKR’s strength coach, keeping his connection with the franchise alive.
Russell said the physical and mental demands of the tournament pushed him to gain time. He spoke openly about how difficult it had become to organize travel, recovery, training and competition days.
He told Cricbuzz: “It’s based on the number of matches and the travel. You have to make sure you recover as best as possible to stay fresh and manage your body.”
He added that players should train hard, but also be careful not to overdo it. Russell also explained why being an all-rounder in the IPL is particularly demanding.
He said, “With a big league like the IPL, it is always a challenge for me as an all-rounder. Batting, bowling and then catching and fielding is always a challenge.”
He ruled out playing as a specialist hitter, saying it wouldn’t feel good to contribute only half of his skills in such a big league.
Russell leaves behind a strong legacy at KKR. He scored 2,651 runs at a strike rate of 174 and took 123 wickets in 140 matches. He was part of title-winning sides in 2014 and 2024, and his power-hitting made him a crowd favorite across India.
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