When the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released the legendary West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell just a few months prior to the IPL 2026 tournament, it certainly was one of the most dramatic and surprising events in the league’s history. The three-time champions took the unprecedented step of cutting loose one of their utmost idols and Russell’s decade-long journey from 2014 to 2024 was brought to an end.

Russell, famous for his enormous打击and changing the course of the match through his bowling, could not live up to the expectations in the 2025 season, which led to this unexpected decision despite his contribution to KKR being nothing short of legendary.

Andre Russell released by KKR before IPL 2026 Auction

He was vital to KKR’s 2014 and 2024 title victories, deciding matches with bat and ball single-handedly. Over the years, Russell played in 133 matches for KKR, and in the Indian T20 league, he scored 2593 runs, and took 122 wickets.

He was vital to KKR’s 2014 and 2024 title victories, deciding matches with bat and ball single-handedly. Over the years, Russell played in 133 matches for KKR, and in the Indian T20 league, he scored 2593 runs, and took 122 wickets.

Russell began his IPL career with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and he has a cumulative total of 2651 runs. Besides releasing Russell, KKR has also let go of other players including their ₹23.75 crores signing, Venkatesh Iyer.

Mayank Markande, the leg-spinner, has been transferred to Mumbai Indians. With such audacious actions, Kolkata Knights are entering the IPL 2026 auction on December 16 with a huge budget of ₹64.30 crores.

Andre Russell triggers speculation as the CSK rumor mill gets a boost by a viral video showing him in yellow kit.

On the other hand, Andre Russell is presently preparing for the Abu Dhabi T10 league, where the explosive all-rounder is going to represent the Deccan Gladiators in the tournament. The Abu Dhabi T10 is going to start on November 18 with Quetta Qalandars facing the Northern Warriors at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

A video is currently making rounds on social media, in which Russell was spotted practicing in the Deccan Gladiators’ kit in Abu Dhabi. The yellow jersey, however, sparked a debate among the fans with many suggesting that the Chennai Super Kings should get the hard-hitting player signed.

At the same time, the ex-Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif put the blame on the KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar for letting Russell go.

Deccan Gladiators Squad:

Laurie Evans, Mark Chapman, Nicholas Pooran (c), Tom Kohler-Cadmore (w), Marcus Stoinis, Andre Russell, Jordan Thompson, Richard Gleeson, Lahiru Kumara, Akeal Hosein, Jake Ball, Muhammad Jawadullah, Ajay Kumar, Dilpreet Bajwa, Wafiullah Tarakhil, Ali Raza, Usman Tariq, Ibrar Ahmad.

Kaif remarked, “It is not correct to release Russell. You had him at 12 crores, which is not too much for a player of that caliber. He is a unique player of the generation.

He went on to say, “Of course, he was not in form, but later he scored runs as well. However, as the coaches change, they bring along some changes too. I think this was a big decision.”

“You could say he was not at his best but I think this is such a format, particularly in the IPL, where the seasoned players do well and there have been numerous instances to support this. I believe the straight reason for his release is Abhishek Nayar. He wants to build his own team now. But this was a shocking decision.”