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KKR retire Andre Russell jersey number 12 as he becomes Power Coach after stellar IPL career with 2 titles, joining legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne.
KKR legend Andre Russell (X)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) retired Andre Russel’s kit number 12 on Tuesday, cementing his place as arguably the franchise’s biggest legend ahead of IPL 2026. After KKR decided to release Russell from the squad last year, instead of going into the auction, the all-rounder chose to accept the role of a ‘Power Coach’ at the franchise, effectively ending his playing career in the most lucrative T20 league in the world.
Now, KKR have ensured that no player in the future will wear the number 12. Russell represented the franchise in 140 IPL matches, scoring 2,651 runs at a record strike rate of 174.17 and taking 123 wickets. He won two titles with the franchise — 2014 and 2024. As he served the team with loyalty, KKR returned the respect by supporting him through his various injuries and a doping ban in 2017.
“We’ve had a long association with Andre Russell, not just with KKR but also on a personal level,” KKR CEO Venky Mysore said at an event in Kolkata. “On the field, he has given us so many reasons to celebrate his performances over the years. He always wore the number 12 proudly, and the number is so unique to Dre Russ, that wanted to share a fitting tribute. So, in the Knight Riders tradition of starting a new legacy, we’d like to retire this number for KKR in his honour.”
Sharing his thoughts, an emotional Russell added, “It has been over a decade of amazing achievements with this franchise, and I got a bit emotional watching the video. To be a part of two championship winning teams with KKR, and to see what it means to everyone, that’s an amazing feeling. When you win a World Cup, that feels special, but when you win the IPL, it’s something different. I just want to say thanks to this franchise for making this journey so special for me.”
The Mumbai Indians began the jersey-retiring tradition in 2013 when they formally rested the iconic number 10 jersey following Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement from all forms of cricket. The Rajasthan Royals made a similar gesture in 2022 by retiring the number 23 jersey to honor their first captain, the late Shane Warne, who famously led them to victory in the inaugural 2008 season.
Ahead of the 2023 season, the Royal Challengers Bangalore permanently retired two numbers simultaneously, honoring AB de Villiers with number 17 and Chris Gayle with number 333 during their induction into the franchise’s Hall of Fame.
March 24, 2026, 23:27 IST
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