IPL 2026: KKR CEO Venky Mysore's promising words for Andre Russell from 2020 proven lie as team releases all-rounder

Published - 16 Nov 2025, 10:00 IST | Updated - 16 Nov 2025, 10:26 IST

In one of the most unexpected pre-auction decisions, three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders released long-time match-winner Andre Russell ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The decision has stunned fans not just because Russell has been with KKR for over a decade, but also because of a now-viral 2020 statement from CEO Venky Mysore, who had assured that the West Indian would remain a Knight Rider until he retires from the game & beyond. However, with the franchise letting him go ahead of the mini-auction, that promise stands broken.

Russell joined KKR in 2014 and quickly became the face of the franchise with his power-hitting, bowling spells, and game-changing abilities. He played crucial roles in KKR’s title wins in 2014 and 2024, scoring over 2,500 runs, 120-plus wickets, 16 Player-of-the-Match awards, and multiple record-breaking feats during his tenure.

In 2020, KKR posted a video on X where Russell revealed he wanted to play for KKR till the day he retires, to which Mysore replied,

“No doubt you will remain a Knight Rider until you retire from the game & beyond! #Superman.”

@Russell12A no doubt you will remain a Knight Rider until you retire from the game & beyond! #Superman https://t.co/RydHeqKzo8

KKR 2026 Retentions: Released, Retained & Trade Players List

The franchise has released Russell along with Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Moeen Ali, Anrich Nortje, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Spencer Johnson. The clear-out frees up a purse of INR 64.3 crore, giving KKR the biggest budget heading into the mini auction.

Russell’s release comes from a mix of age, fitness concerns, and finances. The 37-year-old, who retired from international cricket, was retained last season for INR 12 crore. According to reports, KKR even explored trades before the deadline, but no franchise was willing to take him at his price tag.

Another factor included KKR’s new squad structure. The team is already stacked with finishers such as Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh. Their focus for 2026 shifts to wicketkeeping and all-round depth, areas where Russell’s role may no longer fit. Despite the release, KKR still retains the financial power to buy Russell back at a lower price if they chooses.