Mumbai

Kolkata Knight Riders icon Andre Russell has called time on his glittering Indian Premier League career but his bond with the purple and gold remains unshakable.

After 12 unforgettable seasons filled with towering sixes, game changing wickets and countless memories for fans, the Jamaican powerhouse has announced that IPL 2025 was his final season as a player.

From IPL 2026, Russell won’t be smashing bowlers anymore instead, he’ll be shaping the next generation as KKR’s new “Power Coach.” He will continue lighting up T20 leagues worldwide and stay connected to the Knight Riders family across the globe.

Shah Rukh Khan, the heart and face of KKR, poured out emotions in a special message on social media a tribute befitting a legend.

“Thank you for the wonderful memories, Andre… Our Knight in shining armour! Your contribution to KKR is one for the books… And yes, any other jersey would indeed look weird on you, my man. Muscle Russell for life!” wrote SRK on X, sending love on behalf of the entire team and fans.

Thank you for the wonderful memories, Andre. Our Knight in shining armour!!! Your contribution to @KKRiders is one for the books… and here’s to another chapter in your fantastic journey as a sportsman… The power coach - passing down the wisdom, the muscle and of course the… https://t.co/P9l6gBwoXR

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) November 30, 2025

Russell’s IPL numbers speak for themselves 140 matches, 2,651 explosive runs with a strike rate of 174.18, and 123 wickets that rescued KKR time and again. Once a young player with Delhi Daredevils, he transformed into one of the league’s greatest-ever all-rounders.

His decision follows just a day after former RCB star Faf du Plessis announced his exit from the tournament. Russell was not retained by Kolkata ahead of the upcoming mini-auction, but KKR made sure this isn’t goodbye only a new beginning.

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As fans say farewell to Muscle Russell the cricketer, KKR welcomes Muscle Russell the mentor still roaring, still purple and gold forever.