KKR retire No. 12 Jersey for Andre Russell as West Indies star Promises Fans 'Something Special' in IPL 2026

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Kolkata Knight Riders permanently retired jersey number 12 to honour all-rounder Andre Russell, who retired ahead of the IPL 2026 season.

The announcement came during the high-energy Knights Unplugged 3.0 pre-season event on Tuesday night, where thousands of fans, the entire 2026 squad, and franchise legends gathered under purple-and-gold lights.

KKR CEO Venky Mysore stepped onto the stage holding a framed replica of the iconic kit and declared, "In your honour, we would like to retire this number for KKR."

Russell, seated among the players, was visibly moved as the hall erupted in a standing ovation. The Jamaican powerhouse, affectionately called "Dre Russ" and the "Eternal Knight," had called time on his playing career after the 2025 season. He will now join the support staff as KKR's Power Coach for IPL 2026. Russell's association with KKR spanned 11 seasons (2014-2025, missing only 2017).

Of his 140 IPL appearances, 133 came in KKR colours. He scored 2,651 runs at a strike rate of 174.18, smashing 223 sixes and 12 half-centuries, while claiming 123 wickets.

Twice a title-winner with the franchise in 2014 and 2024, he delivered unforgettable cameos that turned matches on their head. His 2019 campaign-510 runs at a strike rate exceeding 200, and the season's MVP award remains the stuff of legend. Only a select few all-rounders in IPL history have crossed 2,000 runs and 100 wickets; Russell is one of them.

Andre Russell joins KKR as Power Coach

Andre Russell has officially joined Kolkata Knight Riders as their Power Coach for IPL 2026, marking a seamless transition after retiring from IPL cricket in November 2025. Working alongside head coach Abhishek Nayar and support staff including Tim Southee, Shane Watson, and Dwayne Bravo, Russell brings his trademark energy and experience to the dugout.