KKR CEO Reveals Andre Russell Might Have Retired Because Of SRK

KKR CEO Venky Mysore shared that Andre Russell might have retired from IPL because of a suggestion from co-owner Shah Rukh Khan.

Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Andre Russell has retired from the Indian Premier League. The franchise simultaneously announced his new role as a ‘Power Coach’ for the team ahead of the 2026 season.

Russell was released by KKR ahead of the December auction after 12 seasons. He instead chose retirement, citing the increasing physical and mental demands of the tournament. KKR CEO Venky Mysore revealed that the unique idea for Russell to retire and stay with the team came from co-owner Shah Rukh Khan.

“I could see he (Russell) was agonising over it and, so when I shared this with SRK, it was SRK’s suggestion. Because, see, a player is thinking somewhere at the back of his mind, what happens after I hang up my boots?” Mysore said while speaking to ESPNCricinfo.

“But I don’t think they want to think about it so much because professional athletes are like that. They believe I am still good and Dre still is, he is fantastic and playing other leagues,” Mysore added.

The CEO stated that Russell appeared relieved after making the decision and has embraced his new position within the coaching staff.

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“It just felt like he was very free in his mind after making the retirement decision. Because the guy took a couple of catches, is sliding and diving and throwing. I sent him a note later, saying, “What’s going on here, Dre? How are you doing, power coach?” I was kidding him,” Mysore said.

“Everybody has started calling him a power coach and I think he loves it. We are very happy. I think he is very happy. He has completely accepted it, come to terms with it,” Mysore added.

Russell has been a key player for KKR since 2014, helping them win two IPL titles. He will now contribute to the franchise in a mentorship capacity.