3 reasons why KKR releasing Andre Russell ahead of IPL 2026 Auction is the right move

Andre Russell has been associated with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) since 2014. He has played 11 seasons for KKR and featured in two victorious campaigns for the franchise, in 2014 and 2024.

Overall, the all-rounder has featured in 13 IPL seasons (played for Delhi Daredevils in 2012 and 2013). In 115 innings with the bat, Russell has maintained an astounding strike rate of 174.17 and has proved to be a match-winner, especially for KKR. He is known to take the bowlers to cleaners in the death overs and was one of the most feared batters in his prime.

With the ball, he has picked up 123 IPL wickets at an impressive average of 23.27.

KKR have released Russell ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The said move could be a blessing in disguise for the three-time IPL champions.

Here is a look at three reasons why KKR releasing Andre Russell ahead of IPL 2026 auction is the right move:

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#1 Recent form with the bat

Andre Russell retired from international cricket in July this year. He is now fully focused on playing various T20 leagues around the globe.

Russell did not have the best of times in IPL 2025 with the bat. Apart from one half-century, he failed to create much of an impact. He scored only 167 runs across 10 innings at an average of 18.55. With the ball, he picked up eight wickets at a dismal economy rate of 11.94.

As far as T20Is in 2025 are concerned, Russell scored just 59 runs in three innings and picked up a solitary wicket at an economy rate of 15.60.

Andre Russell had a torrid time with the bat in CPL 2025 - Source: Getty

He had a forgettable time in CPL 2025 as well. In eight innings with the bat, Russell scored only 89 runs at an average of 17.80. He picked up 12 wickets at an economy rate of 9.87.

Thus, Russell has failed to create much of an impact in T20s in 2025 and that could be a decisive factor in KKR releasing him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

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#2 Age is not on his side

Andre Russell would be alomost 38 by the time IPL 2026 commences- Source: Getty

Russell is not getting any younger. By the time IPL 2026 commences, Russell will be almost 38.

Russell has had multiple injuries during his career and any further injury could be career-threatening. KKR would not be willing to gamble on Russell's fitness, considering his age and history with injuries.

The KKR management would have considered it prudent to groom a youngster in place of the West Indian all-rounder.

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#3 KKR have a big purse and can go all out in IPL 2026 auction

KKR have a purse of 64.30 crore going into IPL 2026 auction. The release of Russell alone has freed their Rs. 12 crore.

KKR are looking to revamp their squad big time and will be looking to acquire younger players in the auction.

One player who could be on the radar of KKR is Cameron Green. The Australian all-rounder could be one of the most expensive picks for IPL 2026, and KKR could go out all guns blazing to acquire him.

Green could be a like-for-like replacment for Russell and an investment that could pay high dividends for KKR in the years to come.

Edited by Parag Jain