Overview
- Russell confirmed he will not enter the December 16 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders.
- He joins KKR’s staff in a newly framed “Power Coach” role focused on power hitting and on-field intensity, following discussions with CEO Venky Mysore and co-owner Shah Rukh Khan.
- Across 139–140 IPL matches, he amassed about 2,651 runs at a 174+ strike rate and 123 wickets, winning MVP in 2015 and 2019 and two titles with KKR.
- He said he chose retirement over playing for another IPL team, citing loyalty to KKR’s purple and gold, and he will continue in other franchise T20 tournaments.
- Media reports link KKR’s decision to broader auction dynamics, including CSK’s reported release of Matheesha Pathirana and purse considerations, framing the move as part of evolving auction strategy.