IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders’ explosive all-rounder Andre Russell has officially announced his retirement from the IPL 2026. Russell will now remain with KKR but in a new role as “Power Coach.”
The 37-year-old posted an emotional message for fans on Instagram.
He wrote: “I’ve made a decision to retire from the IPL 2026. I will still be active playing in various leagues around the world and for all the other KKR franchises.”
IPL 2026: Deep connection to KKR, Andre Russell’s real emotion
Russell said he wanted to Retirement at the right time. His statement:
“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 something in you,’ instead of ‘yeah, you should have done it years ago.'”
He also explained that when he saw himself photoshopped into other teams’ jerseys, he realized how deep his attachment to KKR’s purple-gold jersey was.
He also mentioned the support of KKR management,
“There have been a lot of conversations between me and Mr. Venky Mysore and also Mr. Shah Rukh Khan. They have shown me love and respect and appreciated whatever I’ve been doing on the field.”
What will Andre Russell do as a Power Coach in IPL 2026?
The team management will now use Russell’s energy and power game to develop new talent for KKR.
Russell said: “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 I show in the field with the ball in hand, I can help in any department.”
Andre Russell IPL record till Retirement:
- Two-time IPL champion (2014, 2024)
- 223 sixes (joint 7th on the all-time list)
- 16-time Player of the Match
- 2019 IPL Player of the Tournament
- A key part of KKR’s identity in 139 matches
Russell’s IPL journey may have ended, but his KKR story is now beginning a new chapter, where he will empower upcoming players not on the field but from the sidelines.
