Kolkata Knight Riders legend and two-time IPL winner Andre Russell has introduced his choice to retire from the competitors. Russell stated that he’ll be part of KKR’s backroom employees for the upcoming IPL 2026 season as the brand new energy coach of the three-time champions.
Russell was launched by KKR forward of the mini-auction in December.after spending 12 seasons with the Kolkata-based franchise. The West Indies all-rounder determined to indicate his loyalty to the Knight Riders by deciding to not placed on the jersey of one other aspect.
In his assertion, Russell stated that he felt it was the precise choice to not proceed enjoying the IPL as he wished to finish on a excessive. The all-rounder stated he discovered it bizarre seeing himself in jerseys of different groups and it gave him sleepless nights.
“Hiya KKR followers. I am right here in the present day, to inform you that I’ve decided to retire from the IPL. I’ll nonetheless be lively enjoying in numerous leagues all over the world and for all the opposite KKR franchises. I had some superb occasions and nice reminiscences (within the IPL), hitting sixes, successful video games, getting MVPs…”
“Once I made this choice, I felt prefer it was the perfect choice at this level. I do not wish to fade out, I wish to depart a legacy behind. It is best to retire when followers ask “why? You continue to have some extra in you. You continue to may go for a bit longer.” as a substitute of “yeah, it is best to have performed it years again.”
“When you find yourself going by means of social media, you retain seeing your self photoshopped in numerous jerseys (of different groups). I felt bizarre to see myself in any coloration aside from purple & gold and people ideas saved going by means of my head, main me to a couple sleepless nights,” stated Russell.
KKR’S POWER COACH
Russell stated he had chats with KKR about his new function with the franchise and he felt the tag energy coach suited him the perfect.
“There have been quite a lot of conversations between me and Mr. Venky Mysore and likewise Mr. Shah Rukh Khan, about one other chapter in my IPL journey. They’ve proven me love and respect and have appreciated no matter I have been doing on the sphere. To be in a setup that is acquainted, issues to me rather a lot.”
“So Kolkata, I will be again. I am right here to say I will probably be part of the KKR assist employees as the brand new Energy Coach in 2026.”
“Once I heard that identify – ‘Energy Coach’, I felt that describes Andre Russell the perfect, as a result of the facility that I possess once I bat, the vitality that I present within the area with ball in hand, I might help in any division.”
“So, see you quickly. Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo,” learn the assertion from Russell.
RUSSELL’S IPL NUMBERS
Russell performed a complete of 140 matches throughout IPL profession, and scored 2651 runs at a strike-rate of 174.18. He additionally picked 123 wickets at a mean of 23.28. His finest seasons got here within the colours of KKR, being adjuged because the Most Priceless Participant of the IPL in 2015 and 2019.
Throughout his time for KKR, Russell scored 2593 runs and picked up 122 wickets.
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