KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan pens emotional message as Andre Russell bids adieu to IPL

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Andre Russell has officially announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League just ahead of the mini auction set for December 16, marking the end of an iconic 12-season stint in the tournament.

The 37-year-old West Indies all-rounder, who has been a cornerstone of the Kolkata Knight Riders since 2014, will transition into a new role as the franchise's "power coach" for the 2026 IPL season, which will see its next auction take place in Abu Dhabi.

Russell expressed his sentiments on X, saying, "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." He reassured fans, "I'll still be smashing sixes and taking wickets in every other league around the world. And the best part? I'm not leaving home... you'll see me in a new role, in KKR's Support Staff, as the POWER COACH of 2026. New chapter. Same energy. Forever a Knight."

Starting his IPL career with Delhi Daredevils in 2012 and 2013, Russell's explosive batting and crucial wickets made him a fearsome competitor. Over 140 IPL matches, he amassed 2,651 runs with a staggering strike rate of 174.18, including 12 half-centuries. With the ball, he claimed 123 wickets at an economy of 9.51, including one memorable five-wicket haul.

As Russell bids adieu to the IPL 22 yards, KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan penned an emotional message on social media.

"Thank you for the wonderful memories, Andre. Our Knight in shining armour!!! Your contribution to KKR
is one for the books... and here's to another chapter in your fantastic journey as a sportsman... The power coach - passing down the wisdom, the muscle and of course the power down to our boys in purple and gold... And yes, any other jersey would indeed look weird on you my man... Muscle Russell for life! Love u... on behalf of the team and everyone who loves the sport," Shah Rukh wrote on X.

Russell will be joining KKR as their Power Coach in IPL 2026, but ahead of that, the Knight Riders need powerful signings in the IPL 2026 mini auction. After releasing a plethora of names, they are going into the auction with a Rs 64.3 crore purse, the most among all ten teams.