‘Thank you for the memories’: Shah Rukh Khan's sweet message as KKR all-rounder Andre Russell retires from IPL

Andre Russell has decided to call time on his Indian Premier League (IPL) career on Sunday but will continue to be a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) setup. The 37-year-old, who started his IPL career with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) played two years with the franchise before shifting base to Kolkata in 2014.

Since then, Russell has been a pillar for KKR for more than a decade, contributing to the franchise's two of the three title-winning campaigns in 2014 and 2024. “I'm here today, to tell you that I’ve made a decision to retire from the IPL. I will still be active playing in various leagues around the world and for all the other KKR franchises,” Russell said.

However, KKR didn't let Russell go. The Jamaican has been appointed as the power coach of KKR for IPL 2026. “So Kolkata, I'll be back. I'm here to say I will be a part of the KKR support staff as the new Power Coach in 2026,” Russell added.

“When I heard that name - ‘Power Coach’, I felt that describes Andre Russell the best, because the power that I possess when I bat, the energy that I show in the field with ball in hand, I can help in any department.”

During his time at KKR, Russell made 133 appearances and was retained by the franchise for ₹12 crore before IPL 2025. However, Russell was released earlier this month after a poor previous season. Notably, Russell won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award twice in 2015 and 2019.

One of the brutal hitters of the ball, Russell finished seventh in the lost of most IPL sixes, behind Chris Gayle, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, AB de Villiers and David Warner.

What forced Andre Russell to retire from IPL?

KKR has built Russell of what he is today and the West Indian wanted to remain indebt to the Kolkata-based franchise. After being released earlier this month, several fans photoshopped Russell in different IPL jerseys, adding to the speculation. That didn't go well with Russell.

"When I made this decision, I felt like it was the best decision at this point. I don’t want to fade out, I want to leave a legacy behind. It's best to retire when fans ask "why? You still have some more in you. You still could go for a bit longer." instead of “yeah, you should have done it years back,” he said.

"When you are going through social media, you keep seeing yourself photoshopped in different jerseys (of other teams). I felt weird to see myself in any colour other than purple & gold and those thoughts kept going through my head, leading me to a few sleepless nights.

"There have been a lot of conversations between me and Venky Mysore and also Shah Rukh Khan, about another chapter in my IPL journey. They have shown me love and respect and have appreciate whatever I've been doing on the field. To be in a setup that's familiar, matters to me a lot," he added.

Shah Rukh Khan's message

KKR owner Shah Rukh Khan posted a message for Dre-Russ after his IPL retirement.

“Thank you for the wonderful memories, Andre. Our Knight in shining armour!!! Your contribution to KKR is one for the books… and here’s to another chapter in your fantastic journey as a sportsman… The power coach - passing down the wisdom, the muscle and of course the power down to our boys in purple and gold…” SRK wrote.

“And yes, any other jersey would indeed look weird on you, my man... Muscle Russell for life! Love u… on behalf of the team and everyone who loves the sport!!” he added.