Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) great Andre Russell has retired from the Indian Premier League, bringing down curtains on an iconic era that prevailed for more than a decade. He wasn’t brought back by the franchise for 2026, but the bigger-than-life Jamaican will continue to have significant ties with the Purple and Gold – this time as KKR’s newly-designed “Power Coach”.

In an emotional video Russell said the decision followed much contemplation. “I’ve decided to retire from the IPL #thankyouverything. I just want to leave with a legacy, retire when fans really think that I have more to deliver,” he posted.” “When I spoke to Venky Mysore and Shah Rukh Khan, they made me understand my importance to the franchise. SRK also shared a heartfelt note hailing Russell for the invaluable input.

Russell leaves behind a rare IPL legacy – an MVP award (2019), two IPL titles with KKR (2014, 2024) and a quantum influence with both bat and ball. He is one of two players to score 2000+ runs and take 100+wickets in IPL, the second being Ravindra Jadeja. In 133 matches for KKR, he scored 2593 runs at a strike rate of 174.96, hit 220 sixes, picked up 122 wickets and effected 40 catches.

His role as a “Power Coach” fits his profile of explosive batting, electrifying fielding and effective bowling perfectly. “That’s what that name is for me – that power I have, and the energy I give off. However I can be used, I am available,” Russell said.

Russell now joins an overhauled KKR setup who is coached by head coach Abhishek Nayar, in addition to having Tim Southee (bowling coach) and Shane Watson (assistant coach), with Dwayne Bravo also being named the team mentor. KKR would like to harness that focus of Russell and use the same experience and inimitable x-factor for grooming the next lot of match-winners.