"Any other jersey would indeed look weird" - Shah Rukh Khan's witty tribute to Andre Russell after latter's retirement from IPL before 2026 auction

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) co-owner Shah Rukh Khan penned an emotional message for Andre Russell after the West Indian all-rounder announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday. Released ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Russell brought the curtains down on a legendary 12-year stint with KKR, but confirmed he will continue with the franchise as their new “Power Coach” for the upcoming season.

Russell, who first appeared in the IPL for Delhi Daredevils in 2012, became the heartbeat of KKR after joining the franchise in 2014. From match-winning cameos to game-turning spells, he built a legacy in the ‘purple and gold’, winning the Most Valuable Player award twice, in 2015 and 2019. Across 140 IPL matches, Russell amassed 2,651 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 174.18 and picked up 123 wickets, making him one of the league’s greatest all-rounders.

From IPL retirement to power coach: Russell’s next chapter with KKR

Shah Rukh Khan, reacting to the retirement announcement, shared a heartfelt note on X. “Thank you for the wonderful memories, Andre. Our Knight in shining armour! Your contribution to KKR is one for the books… The power coach – passing down the wisdom, the muscle and of course the power to our boys in purple and gold. And yes, any other jersey would look weird on you, my man. Muscle Russell for life!” he wrote.

Despite a tough 2025 campaign, Russell remained one of KKR’s biggest match-winners and is their second-highest run-scorer as well as second-highest wicket-taker in IPL history. His exit leaves a significant void, but KKR enter the 2026 auction with the largest purse of ₹64.30 crore, offering them flexibility to rebuild.

ALSO SEE: Top 5 Richest Indian Women Cricketers

Beyond cricket, Shah Rukh Khan also made waves on Sunday with the launch of the new D’YAVOL X eyewear collection, a brand he manages with his son Aryan Khan. In a cinematic promotional clip, SRK unveiled the handcrafted Japanese-made sunglasses, a line Aryan said his father had long encouraged him to create.

As Russell begins a new chapter in the KKR family and SRK continues expanding his creative ventures, the Knight Riders camp prepares for a crucial 2026 season, one that starts with both nostalgia and fresh beginnings.