Andre Russell has called time on his Indian Premier League career, bringing an end to a dazzling 12-season association with Kolkata Knight Riders — but not his bond with the franchise.
The Jamaican all-rounder, one of the IPL’s most fearsome performers, confirmed on Sunday that he will retire from the tournament ahead of the December 16 mini auction, even as he prepares for a new chapter with KKR.
Russell, 37, will rejoin the three-time champions in 2026 as their newly created ‘Power Coach’, a role tailored to his explosive batting and high-octane presence with ball and in the field.
The move keeps him firmly embedded in the Knight Riders’ ecosystem, even as he continues to play in leagues worldwide.
“Hello KKR fans,” he said in a message to supporters. “I’ve decided to retire from the IPL. I’ll still be active in other leagues and with KKR franchises. I’ve had amazing times — sixes, MVPs, match-winning nights. I don’t want to fade out; I want to leave a legacy.”
He admitted the decision was driven by instinct as much as reflection. Russell revealed that seeing social media edits of himself in jerseys of other teams felt “weird”, and the thought of wearing anything but purple and gold left him restless. “It gave me a few sleepless nights,” he said.
The all-rounder also shared that he held extensive conversations with KKR CEO Venky Mysore and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan before settling on the transition.
Their belief in him, he said, made the decision easier. “They’ve shown me love and respect. Being in a familiar setup matters to me.”
The announcement also drew an emotional response from Bollywood superstar and KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. Reacting to Russell’s post, Shah Rukh thanked him for “wonderful memories” and hailed him as KKR’s “Knight in shining armour.”
He wrote that Russell’s contributions were “one for the books” and welcomed the next chapter of his journey as the franchise’s Power Coach.
Shah Rukh added that any jersey other than purple and gold “would indeed look weird” on the all-rounder, signing off with a message of affection: “Muscle Russell for life… love you, on behalf of the team and everyone who loves the sport.”
Russell warmed instantly to the title of ‘Power Coach’. “When I heard that name, I felt it describes me best. The power I bring with the bat, the energy with the ball — I can help in any department,” he said, signing off with a promise to return: “So Kolkata, I’ll be back. Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo.”
Since debuting in 2012 with Delhi Daredevils, Russell has been a force of nature in the IPL. He played 140 matches, scored 2,651 runs at a blistering strike rate of 174.18, and claimed 123 wickets.
From towering sixes to game-breaking spells, he leaves behind a legacy that helped define the league’s modern era.
His announcement comes just a day after Faf du Plessis, 41, confirmed he will skip this year’s IPL to play elsewhere, signalling the end of an era for two of T20 cricket’s most recognisable performers.