Kolkata Knight Riders CEO Venky Mysore has revealed a major detail about Andre Russell’s retirement from the IPL. He said the final decision was inspired by KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. Russell had long discussions with the franchise about a possible release before the IPL 2026 mini-auction. However, his retirement and future non-playing role with KKR came after SRK’s suggestion.
Andre Russell spent 12 seasons with Kolkata Knight Riders. He became one of the biggest match-winners in the history of the franchise. He was released before the auction. Many fans expected KKR to buy him back. Others believed there would be a bidding war. Instead, Russell shocked the cricket world by announcing his retirement from the IPL.
The West Indies all-rounder later explained his decision. He said the physical and mental pressure of the IPL had increased. He admitted that it had become hard to stay at peak level for a full season.
“I could see he (Russell) was agonising over it and, so when I shared this with SRK, it was SRK’s suggestion. Because, see, a player is thinking somewhere at the back of his mind, what happens after I hang up my boots?” Mysore said to ESPNCricinfo.
Andre Russell at Peace After Calling Time on IPL Career
Mysore also spoke about Russell’s mindset after the decision. He said a big change was visible in him.
“But I don’t think they want to think about it so much because professional athletes are like that. They believe I am still good and Dre still is, he is fantastic and playing other leagues,” he added.
Mysore said Russell looked relaxed and free after stepping away.
“It just felt like he was very free in his mind after making the retirement decision. Because the guy took a couple of catches, sliding and diving and throwing. I sent him a note later, saying, “What’s going on here, Dre? How are you doing, power coach?” I was kidding him,” Mysore said.
“Everybody has started calling him a power coach and I think he loves it. We are very happy. I think he is very happy. He has completely accepted it, come to terms with it,” he added.
Over 12 seasons with KKR, Russell won two IPL titles in 2014 and 2024. He was also named IPL MVP in 2019 and won 16 Player-of-the-Match awards.
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