Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
In a city that treats its cricketing icons like royalty, Tuesday evening belonged to a man whose power and loyalty have become the stuff of legend. During Knights Unplugged, a high-energy preseason event in Kolkata attended by the entire 2026 squad and thousands of emotional fans, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) officially retired the No. 12 jersey in honour of Andre Russell.
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The atmosphere was charged as KKR CEO Venky Mysore stepped onto the stage, holding a specially framed memento of the purple-and-gold kit.
“In your honour, we would like to retire this number for KKR,” Mysore announced, a declaration that ensures no other Knight will ever wear the number that Russell turned into a symbol of fear for bowlers worldwide.
The ceremony served as a poignant bookend to a story that took a dramatic turn before the last IPL auction. At a time when speculation was rife that the “Dre Russ” brand would headline the auction table, Russell had taken matters into his own hands. He released a personal video, one that he recalled with great emotion on Tuesday, declaring that his heart belonged only to Kolkata. In that video, he made it clear: if he wasn’t playing for KKR, he wouldn’t be playing in the IPL at all.
True to his word, while Russell continues to showcase his Muscle in various global T20 leagues, he has transitioned into a new chapter within the IPL. Instead of padding up, he will now stalk the dugout as the franchise’s Power Coach, a role designed to sharpen the finishing skills of the next generation.
I LEFT EVERYTHING ON THE FIELD
Watching a montage of his decade-long journey, Russell was visibly moved. His KKR story is one of sheer statistical dominance-2,651 runs at a staggering strike rate of 174.18, complemented by 123 wickets. He was the catalyst for the 2014 title and a veteran anchor during the emotional 2024 championship run.
“I got a bit emotional watching that video,” Russell admitted to the cheering crowd.
“It’s been over a decade of amazing achievements, having been part of two title-winning teams. To see what it meant to everyone… that’s a different enjoyment. World Cups feel special. When you win the IPL, it’s something different. The last one we won, I got teary-eyed.”
“When you have left everything on the field, you don’t regret walking away from the game,” he said.
“Every game I played, I played like it was the last game of my IPL career.”
As the 2026 season approaches, Russell is not looking back with longing, but forward with purpose. He expressed immense excitement about joining a backroom staff that he considers to be among the best in the business. Former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar will be the head coach of KKR this season while Shane Watson has joined them as assistant coach.
“I have no regrets about being in this role. I am excited,” Russell said.
“We have one of the youngest and very talented coaching staff. I would love to be a part of a coaching staff like this. It makes my job easier. I hope whatever knowledge I bring to the table can make their job easier.”
While Andre Russell’s jersey was retired, KKR also made a forward-thinking announcement, naming Rinku Singh as their vice-captain. Ajinkya Rahane will lead the side, which will look to bounce back after having finished eighth last season.
KKR will begin their campaign against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, March 29.
– Ends
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
