IPL 2026: KKR release Andre Russell, break 11-year association
What's the story
In a surprising move, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released their star all-rounder Andre Russell ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. Russell, who joined KKR in 2014, powered the Kings Riders to two titles (2014 and 2024). His power-packed knocks propelled KKR to several momentous wins. The franchise also parted ways with Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Moeen Ali, and Anrich Nortje.
Squad changes
KKR's major squad overhaul and financial strategy
The release of Russell, who had been part of KKR's core group, frees up ₹12 crore for the franchise. Venkatesh Iyer, who has also been released, was bought by KKR for ₹23.75 crore last year. Retained players: Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Ramandeep Singh, Angriksh Raghuvanshi, Rovman Powell, Anukul Roy, Manish Pandey, Umran Mailk, and Arjun Tendulkar (traded in). Purse remaining: ₹64.3 crore.
Season
Modest 2025 season with KKR
Russell, who retired from international cricket earlier this year, had a modest 2025 IPL season with KKR. Despite striking at 163.72, he smashed 167 runs in 10 innings. With the ball, he took eight wickets at 27.12. Russell first entered the IPL in 2012, playing four games for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He represented DC in three more games in 2013 before moving to KKR.
Career
A look at his IPL career
Russell is currently the second-highest run-scorer for KKR in the IPL. He racked up 2,593 runs from 133 games at a staggering strike rate of 174.96 for the franchise. Russell is only behind Gautam Gambhir (3,035) in terms of IPL runs for KKR. The former is also one of only two players with 100-plus wickets (122) for KKR in the tournament, the other being Sunil Narine (192).