SRK Advised Andre Russell To Retire From IPL, Reveals KKR CEO Venky Mysore – Times Now

Sports
SRK advised Andre Russell to retire from IPL. Photo: BCCI
Andre Russell shocked the cricketing fraternity by announcing his retirement from IPL before the mini-auction. The star all-rounder was expected to be in high demand in the IPL 2026 mini-auction after being released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). But Russell decided to hang up his boots. He will stay with KKR as the franchise appointed him their ‘Power Coach’.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, KKR’s CEO, Venky Mysore, revealed that Shah Rukh Khan suggested Russell to retire from IPL. SRK is KKR’s co-owner. Russell has been associated with KKR since IPL 2014 and shares a strong bond with the franchise. Not to forget, the franchise didn’t release him even when he was banned for a year in 2017.
“I could see he was agonising over it (retirement), and, so when I shared this with SRK [Shah Rukh, KKR lead owner], it was actually SRK’s suggestion. Because, see, a player is thinking somewhere at the back of his mind, what happens after I hang up my boots? But I don’t think they want to think about it also so much because professional athletes are like that. They believe I’m still good, and Dre still is – he is fantastic and playing other leagues,” Venky said.
KKR always retained Russell before the mega-auctions and he stayed with them as a player till IPL 2025. A two-time IPL winner with KKR, Russell scored 2593 runs and scalped 122 wickets for the franchise. He is their second-highest run-scorer and wicket-taker.
Russell also played for Delhi Capitals (formerly known as Delhi Daredevils). Overall, Russell has 2651 runs and 123 wickets in IPL.
KKR will enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a purse of Rs 64.3 crore. They released 23.75 crore-signee Venkatesh Iyer and have the highest purse going into the auction. KKR, who entered IPL 2025 as defending champions, finished the season in 8th spot.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Sports, Cricket and around the world.
Rishav Narang is an experienced writer with nine years of experience in sports journalism. He extensively writes on cricket and covers live matches, b… View More
India Coach Defends Washington Sundar Amid Heavy Criticism: 'He Is Still Learning…'
India vs South Africa Live Score 3rd ODI: Virat Kohli Eyes Hat-Trick Of Tons As Gautam Gambhir Hopes To Avoid Another Series Defeat
'Where Is The Engagement Ring?': Smriti Mandhana’s First Post After Wedding Delay Leaves Fans Worried
FIFA World Cup 2026 Groups Revealed: Kylian Mbappe To Face Haaland; Messi vs Ronaldo QF In Store
'They Were Unbeaten Because They Hadn't Played Us': Aditya Ruhela Ends Chennai’s Winning Streak in IPBL Thriller

source