"Always Gave Us a Fight”: Andre Russell Reveals Toughest IPL Rivals After Retiring Ahead of 2026 Auction

Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Andre Russell named five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) as his toughest opponent in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after announcing his retirement. The Caribbean star was released by KKR before the 2026 auction and has now joined the team’s backroom staff as the new Power Coach.

Russell has struggled against Mumbai Indians throughout his IPL career. He averaged only 18.57 with the bat in 19 matches against them, which is his lowest batting average against any team he has played at least 10 times. Half of his 16 innings versus MI ended in single-digit scores, including a golden duck in the 2019 season.

With the ball, Russell has done better. He has taken 19 wickets against MI at an average of 24.68 and an economy rate of 9.67.

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Russell Names MI and Bumrah as His Toughest IPL Challenges

"I enjoy playing against most teams. There will always be challenges, but this particular team — Mumbai Indians — always gives us a fight, whether they come to Kolkata or when we go to the Wankhede. We know we are going into a battle," Andre Russell told Cricbuzz.

He also named MI pacer Jasprit Bumrah as the most challenging bowler he has faced in the IPL. "One of the most challenging bowlers I have come up against is Jasprit Bumrah. As soon as I come in to bat, most of the time they give him the ball. He has got me out a few times, but I have also enjoyed hitting him for a few boundaries. I love those challenges. I'm not the kind of player who says I will just play him out. I like taking on challenges. He is one of the best in the world right now — maybe the best T20 fast bowler. So that challenge was always special," Russell added.

Russell has lost his wicket to Bumrah four times in the IPL, starting in 2018 at the Wankhede Stadium. Bumrah dismissed him twice in the 2020 season as well.

The all-rounder has scored 57 runs off 45 balls against Bumrah, including two sixes, at a strike rate of 126.66.

Russell on Becoming KKR’s New ‘Power Coach’

After retiring from international cricket and the IPL, Andre Russell has moved into coaching. His first role will be with KKR, where he has been named the new Power Coach.

KKR have made several changes to their staff after parting ways with Chandrakant Pandit. Russell will work alongside his former West Indies teammate Dwayne Bravo, who has joined as the franchise mentor.

"To be honest, when I heard that name from Mr. Venky (Mysore, the CEO), I said, hmm, that describes Dre Russ perfectly. The power I bring while batting, the energy I show in the field and with the ball — the name fits: POWER COACH," Russell said.

Russell will play an important role in KKR’s rebuild under head coach Abhishek Nayar and captain Ajinkya Rahane. The three-time champions enter the auction with the biggest purse and are expected to target several big names.