Kolkata Knight Riders have made a significant decision by releasing Andre Russell ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, ending a remarkable 12-year association with the franchise. The West Indian all-rounder, who joined KKR in 2014, became one of the most celebrated T20 players in IPL history. He is one of only two players to achieve over 2000 runs and 100 wickets in the tournament. Former India captain Anil Kumble described this move as a massive call, acknowledging Russell's impact as a match-winner. The franchise retained him for INR 12 crore before the 2025 mega auction, but concerns about his age and recent form led to this decision. KKR has also released several other key players, entering the mini-auction with a substantial INR 64.3 crore purse, signalling a major rebuilding phase for the team.
KKR's Bold Decision and Rebuilding Strategy
Anil Kumble emphasized how challenging this decision was for KKR, considering Russell's long-standing contribution. The all-rounder, turning 38 during the 2026 season, faced questions about his athleticism and workload management. Despite trade discussions, no team matched his INR 12 crore valuation. KKR released multiple players including Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Moeen Ali. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra noted that KKR appears to be starting fresh. With their massive purse, they will likely dominate the mini-auction proceedings, particularly targeting overseas players like Cameron Green. The franchise is expected to go on a shopping spree to rebuild their squad.
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