Watch: Kolkata Knight Riders retire Power coach Andre Russell's jersey in heartfelt tribute ahead of IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will retire jersey number 12 to honour their star player Andre Russell. The team made the announcement at their pre-season event, Knights Unplugged 3.0, on Tuesday evening.

Andre Russell, who has come back to KKR as a ‘power coach’ for the new season, played for the team for 12 years, from 2014 to 2025.

With his famous hairstyle and amazing skills on the cricket field, the West Indian became one of KKR’s best players. He helped the team win two IPL titles in 2014 and 2024.

Watch the special video here:

Andre Russell Honoured as KKR Retires His Jersey Number 12

At a special event, Mr Venky Mysore, Chief Executive Officer of the Ajinkya Rahane-led franchise, spoke about Andre Russell. He said, “We have known Andre Russell for a long time, not just in KKR but also personally. On the field, he has given us many reasons to celebrate. He always wore number 12 with pride. This number is very special to Dre Russ, so we want to honour him by retiring it. In the Knight Riders tradition, we start a new legacy by retiring this number for KKR.”

Andre Russell, now KKR’s power coach, also shared his feelings. He said, “It has been more than ten years of amazing moments with this team. Watching the video made me a little emotional. Being part of two championship-winning teams with KKR and seeing what it means to everyone is an amazing feeling. Winning a World Cup is special, but winning the IPL is different. I just want to thank this team for making this journey so special for me.”

See also -Andre Russell Creates History, Becomes First Cricketer to Achieve 5000 Runs, 500 Wickets & 500 Sixes in T20S

Andre Russell’s Contributions to KKR

The Jamaican all-rounder played 140 TATA IPL matches, scoring 2,651 runs with a strike rate of 174.17 and taking 123 wickets. He is only the second all-rounder in TATA IPL history to score more than 2,000 runs and take 100 wickets. His powerful performances also earned him the Most Valuable Player award in 2019, when he scored 510 runs with a strike rate of 204.81 and an average of 56.66.

The two-time ICC Men’s T20 World Cup winner (2012 and 2016) also has the best bowling figures for a KKR player in TATA IPL history. He took 5 wickets for 15 runs against the Mumbai Indians in the 2021 IPL. With 122 wickets for the team, he is the second-most successful bowler in KKR history, after Sunil Narine, who has 192 wickets.

Fans React to KKR’s Special Gesture to Andre Russell

Fans of the Kolkata Knight Riders have expressed both joy and emotion over the team’s decision to retire Andre Russell’s iconic jersey number 12. Many took to social media to convey their admiration and respect, recognising him as a true legend of the franchise.

One fan commented, "The Shining 🌟 Knight Forever 💜💛." Another wrote, "Miss u Dre Russ 💜💜💜💜." Some fans shared more thoughts and reactions online — see their posts here: