The announcement that Andre Russell released by KKR has stunned IPL fans and reshaped the build-up to the IPL 2026 auction. KKR decided to part ways with their long-time match-winner despite his star status and decade-long association with the franchise. The move also frees a significant purse amount, giving KKR major flexibility for the upcoming auction.
Here’s the updated Kolkata Knight Riders squad after their retentions ahead of IPL 2026! 💜⚔
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) November 15, 2025
Knights ready for another charge!
📸IPL pic.twitter.com/w6StrJye4o
KKR’s Big Decision Shakes Up IPL Landscape
The news of Andre Russell released by KKR marks one of the most high-profile exits in tournament history. Russell had been retained for INR 12 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction, yet releasing him now adds INR 18 crore back into the auction purse because he was their No.1 retention last year. Consequently, KKR will enter the IPL 2026 auction with a massive INR 64.30 crore purse, the largest among all teams.
Moreover, Russell’s release becomes even more significant because he is one of only two players in IPL history with 2000+ runs and 100+ wickets. With Jadeja traded and Russell released, this year’s retention window has produced two of the biggest headlines in recent IPL memory.
Russell’s Impact and Legacy at KKR
The decision to let him go surprised many, especially since Russell has been a KKR mainstay since 2014. He played key roles in KKR’s title-winning campaigns in 2014 and 2024 and produced unforgettable performances, including his Player of the Tournament run in IPL 2019. Furthermore, he finished with 16 Player-of-the-Match awards, second only to Sunil Narine among KKR players.
Additionally, his 223 sixes put him among the league’s most destructive hitters. Even in IPL 2025, Russell showed flashes of his explosive best, scoring 167 runs at a strike rate above 160. However, his bowling struggled, with only eight wickets in nine innings at an economy near 12.
What Comes Next for Russell?
Franchises have already shown interest since the moment Andre Russell released by KKR became official. KKR themselves could attempt to buy him back if the price suits their auction plans. His 2025 form will stay under close watch as teams assess whether the 37-year-old allrounder can still win matches consistently in the world’s toughest T20 league.
