Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have made a surprising name by releasing their charismatic all-rounder Andre Russell forward of the IPL 2026 public sale. Russell, who was with the franchise for Rs 12 crore, was not retained together with Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Moeen Ali and Anrich Nortje.
Russell joined KKR in 2014 and have become considered one of their greatest match-winners, enjoying a key position of their title-winning marketing campaign. In 2020, CEO Venky Mysore had even stated Russell would stay with the franchise till he retired from T20s.however after 10 seasons, KKR have chosen to maneuver on from the Jamaican all-rounder.
The Knight Riders have additionally launched Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Spencer Johnson, a part of a significant squad overhaul that leaves the franchise with a hefty Rs 64.3 crore purse forward of the IPL 2026 public sale. With such a considerable funds, KKR have the choice to purchase again Andre Russell, who not too long ago retired from worldwide cricket.
KKR have additionally parted methods with Venkatesh Iyer, who was purchased for Rs 23.75 crore within the public sale, releasing up their purse and giving them the very best funds going into the mini public sale.
RUSSELL, A KKR STALWART
Andre Russell has been probably the most explosive and influential gamers for Kolkata Knight Riders all through his lengthy IPL profession. Since becoming a member of the franchise, he has performed over 133 matches, scoring 2,593 runs at a median of 28.81 with a strike charge of 174.97.
Recognized for his sheer energy, he scored a 20-ball fifty for KKR in 2024 in opposition to Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens, hitting the ball to all corners of the bottom. Within the 2019 season, he made 510 runs, together with 52 sixes, and took 11 wickets, although KKR fell in need of the playoffs.
Russell can be a formidable bowler, having claimed greater than 123 wickets for KKR at a median of 23.3. His finest bowling figures, 5 for 15, got here in opposition to Mumbai Indians in 2021 on the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Within the 2024 season, he continued to select up essential wickets whereas conserving the runs in examine.
A standout milestone got here in IPL 2024 when Russell grew to become the quickest participant to achieve 200 sixes within the match, attaining the feat in simply 1,322 balls and surpassing Chris Gayle’s file. His all-round performances — from highly effective finishes with the bat to well timed breakthroughs with the ball — have made him a cornerstone of KKR’s success.
KKR Launched gamers: Andre Russel (Rs 12 Crore), Venkatesh Iyer (23.75 Crore), Quinton de Kock (3.6 Crore), Moeen Ali (2 Crore), Anrich Nortje (6.5 Crore), Spencer Johnson (2.80 Crore), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (2 Crore).
Retained Gamers: Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Manish Pandey, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Sunil Narine, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy.
Pure Remaining – Rs 64.3 Crore
Slots Remaining – 13
– ends