The former West Indies all-rounder and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) legend, Andre Russell, announced his retirement from his Indian Premier League (IPL) career on Sunday, November 30. Andre Russell called time on his IPL career ahead of the mini auction, which will take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.

The veteran West Indian all-rounder served with KKR for 12 seasons from 2014 before he was surprisingly released by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2026 Auction. The 37-year-old had an underwhelming IPL 2025 with the bat and bowl as he scored just 167 runs at an average of 18.56 and picked 8 wickets at an average of 27.13 and an economy rate of 11.14 in 13 matches.

With the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise looking to revamp after a disappointing season and free up the purse for the upcoming auction, Russell's exit leaves room to rebuild the squad and target fresh all‐round talent ahead of IPL 2026.

Andre Russell Retires from IPL, But to Stay with KKR

Andre Russell confirmed his retirement from IPL in an emotional video posted on his social media. In the video, Russell informed KKR fans about his decision to retire from his illustrious IPL career, but he will continue to play in other leagues across the world.

“Hello, KKR fans. Dre Russ here. Just want to give you guys the big news - 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. I had some amazing times and great memories (in the IPL), hitting sixes, winning games, getting MVPs, and all of those things.” Andre Russell said in a video.

“But, when I made this decision, I felt like it was the best decision at this point. I don't want to fade out, I want to leave a legacy behind. It's best to retire when fans ask 'why? You still have some more in you. You still could go for a bit longer'. Instead of 'yeah, you should have done it years back', he added.

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?... twitter/S5kU0YFRcR

- Andre Russell (@Russell12A) November 30, 2025

Though Andre Russell retired from IPL, the legend will remain at Kolkata Knight Riders in the new capacity of 'Power Coach', where he will mentor and guide the team's all-rounders and young players, and share his experience to help KKR build a stronger, more dynamic squad for IPL 2026 and beyond.

Russell's Retirement Leaves Fans Emotional

Andre Russell's call to time on his IPL career has left the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fans emotional as they bid farewell to a player who has been the cornerstone of the franchise's success over the last 11 years.

Taking to their X handles (formerly Twitter), KKR fans recalled several historic and memorable moments of Andre Russell, from his match-winning knocks and explosive performances to his fearless bowling and game-changing spell, celebrating the legacy of the all-rounder, while lauding his loyalty with KKR and expressed their excitement and eagerness to see him in the new role as a 'power coach'.

It was a very frustrating period for us as @KKRiders fans after retention list when other team fans posted pictures of you in their team jersey. It's very hard to imagine you in a different jersey you legend for giving us unforgettable memories & Good luck @Russell12A Subhash Shankarr (@subhash_shankar) November 30, 2025

Thank you, Dre Russ. You didn't just play for #KKR - you lived it, you breathed it, and you gave us memories we'll hold forever. From impossible chases to roaring celebrations, you made #Kolkata dream a Knight, always a Knight. #AndreRussell #KolkataKnightRiders Imanur (@imanur_mirza) November 30, 2025

Happy Retirement @Russell12A Russell Forever @KKRiders #kkr #kolkataknightriders #ipl KKR FAN (@Spyuniverses) November 30, 2025

Thanks for all those special moments over the years, take big man @Russell12A, forever a knight #IPL2026 Sudipta (@Kkr_Espana) November 30, 2025

We love you russ! Another era begins in purple and gold! ✨ dreaming soul (@Luv_priyAnkit) November 30, 2025

Love you, superman!You make us believe that in a league full of money, there's still room for emotion and loyalty out to you as POWER COACH.@Russell12A Himanshu | हिमांशु (@iamheemaanshoo) November 30, 2025

Happy Retirement Legend You made our childhood!!! ❤️ Gowtham (@gowtham7gowth) November 30, 2025

What a gem of a playerDre Russ was peak entertainment Thank you for your time Shounak Chakrabarti (@Shounak98461699) November 30, 2025

Love you legend, you'll be cherished forever, A knight forever, you're the Main Man Forever,The legacy will thrive The Conscriptor (@IamG2_0) November 30, 2025

Thank you for the unforgettable memories, Dre Russ ❤️As a lifelong @KKRiders fan, watching your 12 years with KKR was truly special. It broke my heart to see you leave, but I'm thrilled to see you return as our POWER COACH Wishes to you! Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo! #AMIKKR avirup! (@iam_EDITH77) November 30, 2025

Thank you for everything big man! Never rooted for any OS player as much as i did for him. There's no player who deserved that 2024 title more than Russell for all the hope he gave fans, over the years, even during the toughest timesLet's achieve some big things as a coach now! Š. (@Soham718) November 30, 2025

Andre Russell joined KKR in 2014 and became one of the most instrumental figures behind the success of the team. The veteran all-rounder played a pivotal role in helping the KKR win two IPL titles in 2014 and 2024.

In his IPL career, Andre Russell has amassed 2651 runs, including 12 fifties, at an average of 28.20 and a strike rate of 174.18 in 140 matches. With the ball, Russell picked 123 wickets, including a fifer and two four-wicket hauls, at an average of 23.28 and an economy rate of 9.51.

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