Legendary West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has called time on his IPL career, bringing an end to his iconic journey with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KRK). Andre Russell decided to retire from the IPL after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Russell was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders for 11 years, and he had always made it clear that he wanted to play only for KKR and once the franchise moved on, he decided to step away from the IPL rather than join another team.
Andre Russell retires from IPL, joins KKR as first “Power Coach” ahead of IPL 2026
But Russell’s story with KKR isn’t over yet. The T20 World Cup-winning captain will take on a groundbreaking role as the IPL’s first-ever “Power Coach,” bringing his energy, experience, and game-changing insight to mentor the next generation of players.
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Russell’s impact on the league is unforgettable. He was instrumental in KKR’s title wins in 2014 and 2024, thrilling fans with his thunderous hitting and handy bowling spells.
After retiring from international cricket in July 2025, the former all-rounder had focused on franchise cricket, and now he is set to channel all that experience into coaching in the IPL.
Here’s how fans react to Andre Russell’s IPL retirement:
Andre Russell retires from IPL!
One of the saddest days for every KKR fan. He has been the main man behind KKR’s success.
He is joining KKR’s coaching staff. pic.twitter.com/vRewApP8qO
— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) November 30, 2025
Thank You for your services to KKR, Andre Russell
Forever a KKR Legend. pic.twitter.com/fm7KzNjZJU
— कट्टर INDIA समर्थक (@KKRWeRule) November 30, 2025
ANDRE RUSSELL HAS ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT FROM IPL
– Russell doesn’t want to play for any other franchise so he has made this decision, The Loyalty. pic.twitter.com/5oTK8nlcyI
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 30, 2025
Andre Russell joins KKR as their Power Coach.
The End of an ERA. pic.twitter.com/fQ1PxLT5xS
— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) November 30, 2025
Happy Retirement, Andre Russell pic.twitter.com/sB0FWK9LhX
— ` (@Itz_Bl3ze) November 30, 2025
Andre Russell announces his retirement from the IPL ~
Le CSK fans dreaming of getting Russel as finishing allrounder ~ pic.twitter.com/3dU9V1s0h0
— Dharun_mc (@sunflower_boyy) November 30, 2025
Thank you for all the memories Andre Russell. You will always always be a KKR legend and one of the IPL’s greatest ever cricketers. Love you Dre Russ
— Aditya Gursahani (@adityagursahani) November 30, 2025
End of Andre Russell
Eden Won’t see Russ Batting Again pic.twitter.com/x5EGcfnSAr— The Scout DugOut (@TheScoutDugout) November 30, 2025
 ANDRE RUSSELL HAS ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT FROM IPL 
– Russell doesn’t want to play for any other franchise so he has made this decision, The Loyalty. #IPL2026 #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/N7QEtGMIUW
— Mayank Ary (@MMayankary) November 30, 2025
Thank you, Andre Russell.
Your performances in the IPL gave fans many exciting moments. Wishing you all the best for the next chapter of your life. #andrerussel #IPLAuction #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/5584oCZBIR— अमन (@Unrealamann) November 30, 2025
Andre Russell Has Retired from the Ipl & Chosen to Be the Power Coach Of Kkr
He is apparently the first Power Coach in the Ipl
Thank You for the Memories , Dre Russ pic.twitter.com/vEsvuqRC2d
— CRICitism (@CRICitism) November 30, 2025
Most times with 50+ runs and 1+ wicket in IPL match:
9 times – Andre Russell
9 times – Jacques KallisThis is KKR HERITAGE..OG ALL Rounders pic.twitter.com/1QVdnBMjfd
— कट्टर INDIA समर्थक (@KKRWeRule) November 30, 2025
An era ends.
IPL won’t feel the same without Andre Russell the man who turned matches in a single over.
A legend is not leaving the field he’s leaving history behind. pic.twitter.com/aFqiVq2EYm— Satir (@at07islove) November 30, 2025
BREAKING: ANDRE RUSSELL ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE IPL
A legend of the game calls it a day. Thank you for the unforgettable moments, Russell! Your power, passion, and presence will always be remembered. pic.twitter.com/4gIBoPTjjn
— Yamini Punter (@yaminipredicts) November 30, 2025
When you can’t face him anymore, you hire him.
Andre Russell retires from IPL (as a player) and immediately joins KKR staff as Power Coach.
Bowlers around the world breathing a sigh of relief #AndreRussell #KKR #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/4eKeNQokjd— MEHRA (@DevMehra790) November 30, 2025
To be continued…
