WEST INDIES (Kashmir English): West Indies’ hard-hitting all-rounder Andre Russell announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League, saying he would continue serving Kolkata Knight Riders as a ‘power coach.’
After the Kolkata team released him into the open market following his disappointing performance in the 2025 season, Russell did not enter his name in the auction, scheduled for December 16.
The 37-year-old who bid adieu to the IPL would continue playing other T20 leagues in the world, including the Caribbean League. He said, “The best time is when fans ask why you are leaving; there is still a lot left in you.”
According to him, he will return to the Kolkata team’s support staff role next year, in 2026, as the ‘power coach.’ By the way, this position suits him and his identity perfectly because his explosive batting and bewitching bowling can motivate young players.
Andre Russell initiated his IPL journey with Delhi in 2012 and joined Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014, then went on to win the league title twice.
He played a total of 140 matches in the IPL. At the same time, South Africa’s batter Faf du Plessis has also announced that he will step away from the next IPL season and will participate in the Pakistan Super League.
India, he said, is one of the places that will always be dear to his heart, and this is by no means a final goodbye-he intends to come back someday.
