Screen grab of a video
New Delhi: Big-hitting West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell on Sunday announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League, but will stay at Kolkata Knight Riders as a "power coach".
Russell, a pace bowling all-rounder, was released as a player by Kolkata after a poor 2025 season and has decided not to enter the IPL auction on December 16.
The 37-year-old will continue to play in other global T20 tournaments such as the Caribbean Premier League.
Hanging up my IPL boots… but not the swagger ????????
— Andre Russell (@Russell12A) November 30, 2025
What a ride it’s been in the IPL — 12 seasons of memories, and a whole lot of love from the @KKRiders family ????????
I’ll still be smashing sixes and taking wickets in every other league around the world ????????
And the best part?… pic.twitter.com/S5kU0YFRcR
"It's best to retire when fans ask: 'Why? You still have some more in you'," Russell said.
"I'll be back. I'm here to say I will be a part of the KKR support staff as the new 'power coach' in 2026."
He moved to Kolkata in 2014 where he won two IPL titles.
South African veteran Faf du Plessis said he had also opted out of next year's IPL, deciding instead to play in the Pakistan Super League.
"India has a special place in my heart, and this certainly isn't goodbye -- you'll see me again," he said on social media
