Published on: Dec 1, 2025 4:22 pm IST|Updated on: Dec 1, 2025 4:24 pm IST
One of the most decorated all-rounders in IPL history, Andre Russell, has drawn curtains on one of the most prolific IPL careers the world has ever witnessed. The 37-year-old Jamaican surprised one and all by announcing retirement from the cash-rich league. KKR’s very own Russell was released by the franchise on November 15, and almost 2 weeks later, he took to Instagram to announce his retirement from the league after serving for 12 long years.
“I had some amazing times and great memories (in the IPL), hitting sixes, winning games, getting MVPs,” Russell was quoted as saying in a release.
“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.”
Andre Russell has retired from the IPL after 12 seasons, finishing with 140 matches, 2651 runs at a strike rate of 174.18, and 123 wickets. He won two titles with KKR (2014, 2024) and was named IPL MVP twice (2015, 2019). Let’s talk about his numbers in the league.
Russell made his IPL debut in the year 2012 for the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He played for the Delhi-based franchise for 2 years before shifting base to Kolkata to play for the multiple-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders. Russell enjoyed a lot of success with KKR and was a part of 2 out of 3 of KKR’s title-winning seasons.
Russell flourished under KKR, playing 133 of his games for the franchise and winning 2 Most Valuable Player of the Season awards in 2015 & 2019.
The 37-year-old Jamaican is deeply connected with the Kolkata Knight Riders. In his retirement, he posted how he doesn’t see himself donning any other jersey than the gold and purple of KKR.
“When you are going through social media, you keep seeing yourself photoshopped in different jerseys (of other teams). I felt weird to see myself in any colour other than purple & gold and those thoughts kept going through my head, leading me to a few sleepless nights,” Russell said.
Further, Russell stated that he will be going into a new role in the IPL. He will remain associated with the franchise as their power coach, one who will be putting his insights in KKR’s batters about power hitting. Transitioning now into a “Power Coach” role with KKR, Russell’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
“There have been a lot of conversations between me and Mr. Venky Mysore and also Mr. Shah Rukh Khan, about another chapter in my IPL journey. They have shown me love and respect and have appreciate whatever I’ve been doing on the field. To be in a setup that’s familiar, matters to me a lot,” he added.
Andre Russell’s ability to change games single-handedly made him one of the most feared overseas players in IPL history. With Russell gone now, Akash Chopra’s famous quirky line during commentary, ‘Andre Andar Gend Bahar,’ won’t be heard, and there won’t be any ‘Russellmania’ in the IPL. The big Jamaican will be a huge miss in the upcoming IPL 2026 season.
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