Andre Russell, the West Indies all-rounder, has been released by the Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 auction. The auction is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16. Russell has been a key player for the KKR squad, having made 133 appearances and winning the IPL title with the team in 2014 and 2024.
Despite being retained for Rs. 12 crore before the last season’s mega auction, the team has decided to part ways with the 37-year-old following a disappointing performance in IPL 2025. During the last season, Russell struggled to make an impact, scoring just 167 runs in 13 innings and picking up only eight wickets while conceding nearly 12 runs per over.
The decision to release Russell comes as a surprise to many fans, considering his past contributions to the team’s success. However, his recent form has raised concerns among the team management, leading to the decision to let him go ahead of the upcoming auction.
Russell’s departure marks the end of an era for the Kolkata Knight Riders, as they look to rebuild their squad and make a fresh start in the upcoming IPL season. It remains to be seen which team will pick up the talented all-rounder in the auction, as he looks to bounce back from his recent struggles and make a strong comeback in the league.
The news of Russell’s release has left fans speculating about the future of the KKR squad and the potential impact of his absence on the team’s performance in the upcoming season. Published on Nov 15, 2025.
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