Andre Russell made history on Friday, December 5, by becoming the first cricketer in the world to score 5000 runs, take 500 wickets, and hit 500 sixes in T20 cricket. The West Indies legend, who retired from international cricket in July 2025 and from the IPL on November 30, took his 500th T20 wicket on Friday while playing for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20 match against Desert Vipers at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

A total of 126 players have scored more than 5000 runs, six bowlers have taken more than 500 wickets, and 10 batters have hit more than 500 sixes in T20 cricket. But Russell is the only player in the world who appears in all three lists.

In 576 T20 matches for more than a dozen teams, Russell has scored 9496 runs, taken 500 wickets, and hit 772 sixes.

Also Read -Star CSK player likely to replace Sai Sudharsan at No.3 for India in upcoming Test series

Andre Russell’s T20 Record

Russell’s former West Indies teammate Dwayne Bravo and former Kolkata Knight Riders teammate Shakib Al Hasan are the only two other players to score more than 5000 runs and take 500 wickets in T20 cricket.

ADKR Face Defeat

In the match between Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Desert Vipers on Friday, Russell batted at No. 6 and remained unbeaten on 36 runs from 23 balls. He hit three fours and two sixes, helping ADKR reach 171 for six. However, the total was not enough to win the game.

For the Vipers, Shimron Hetmyer smashed 48 from 25 balls to guide his team to a successful chase of 172 runs in 19.3 overs with two wickets down. Russell dismissed Hetmyer on the fourth ball of the 17th over. Dan Lawrence contributed 35 from 32 balls, and Khuzaima Tanveer stayed unbeaten on 31 from 12 balls.

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.

Also Read -Major update on ownership of Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2026

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.

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

Thank you for the wonderful memories, Andre. Our Knight in shining armour!!! Your contribution to @KKRiders is one for the books… and here’s to another chapter in your fantastic journey as a sportsman… The power coach - passing down the wisdom, the muscle and of course the… https://t.co/P9l6gBwoXR

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) November 30, 2025

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.

One of the most attacking players of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who has been a vital member of the franchise in the past seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Andre Russell has dropped a massive statement ahead of the 2026 season of the league as he has decided to announce his retirement from the event. He becomes the second player in less than 24 hours after Faf du Plessis to make the decision. 

Russell has ended up as the second leading run-getter of the KKR franchise with the help of 2658 runs in 115 innings at an average of 28.20 and a strike rate of 174.17 with the help of 12 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 88 runs. He announced the decision of his IPL retirement on his Instagram account.

See Also: One More IPL Team Set to Be Put on Sale After RCB Ahead of IPL 2026

“Hanging up my IPL boots… but not the swagger. What a ride it’s been in the IPL — 12 seasons of memories, and a whole lot of love from the KKR family. I’ll still be smashing sixes and taking wickets in every other league around the world. And the best part? I’m not leaving home. You’ll see.” Russell wrote in a note.

Andre Russell retires from IPL to start new role for KKR ahead of IPL 2026 

In the previous season of the tournament, the all-rounder smashed 167 runs in 10 innings at an average of 18.55 and a strike rate of 163.72, with just one half-century coming off his bat. His best seasons with the franchise came in 2022, 2018, and 2015, when he crossed the 300-run mark in an edition at a strike rate of 170.

Apart from his batting, Russell has also picked up 123 wickets in 121 innings at an average of around 23 and a strike rate of 14.6 with an economy rate of under 10. His best season with the bat was in 2024 when they became the champions for the third time, and Russell grabbed 19 wickets in 14 innings. 

Russell, in his new role of power coach, will look after the new stars of the franchise and teach them the art of smashing the big shots from the very first ball, especially in the death overs.

The former Indian batter, Mohammad Kaif, has not been really happy with the decision of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release the star West Indies all-rounder, Andre Russell, ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The three-time champions would go into the next action with the biggest purse, having dropped several marquee players.

The former Indian batter felt that things might have changed after the appointment of Abhishek Nayar as head coach and added that the latter would be the direct reason behind the release of Russell, insisting that the former Indian assistant coach would perhaps have wanted to work with his own side.

See Also: Watch: India A denied dismissal of comfortable catch during Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 clash vs Pakistan A

“Russell’s release is not right. You had him at 12 crore, and that is not a big amount, really, for a player like him. He is a generation player. Yes, he was out of form, but later on he scored runs too. But as coaches change, they bring some changes. I think this was a big call.” Kaif expressed in the video.

Mohammad Kaif puts weight on Abhishek Nayar for release of Andre Russell before IPL 2026

Russell is the second leading run-getter of the Knight Riders in the T20 history of the event with the help of 2658 runs in 115 innings at an average of around 29 and a strike rate of 175.09 with the help of 13 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 88 runs.

“You can say he was not at his peak, but I feel this is such a format, especially in the IPL, where experienced players do well, and there are many examples. I feel the straight answer to his release is Abhishek Nayar. He wants to make his own team now. But this was an astonishing call.” Mohammad Kaif revealed in the same video.

“The quality and power that Russell has, even four players like Cameron Green cannot cover that. The way he plays, he can hit 100m sixes as per will, and he has won so many games from situations where the game seemed lost. He got that respect because of this ability. There are very few players like him at number seven.” The former DC coach shed light.

Numerous surprising moves ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction — Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Andre Russell and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) parted ways with Ravindra Jadeja. Both of the teams will try to sign in all-rounders from the upcoming IPL 2026 mini auction. Jadeja joined Rajasthan Royals, but where will Russell join?

According to speculations, CSK can bid for the West Indian all-rounder. It will make sense if they go for the pace bowling all-rounder. Chennai Super Kings has the tendency to cash in for experienced, proven players; Russell will fit in the bracket. The all-rounder has cemented his legacy as a globetrotting, prolific T20 cricketer. He is among the lower middle-order batters, who can smash the ball hard in any part of the park. Ahead of the new season, CSK released pace bowling all-rounder Sam Curran and Vijay Shankar, and they have the opportunity to bid for 4 overseas players. If they wish to bid for a pace bowling all-rounder who can make an impact on the field from the middle or lower-middle order, then they can think about Russell.

Though, as of now, there are no official confirmations about CSK's interest in him. The Jamaica-born was a core member of Kolkata Knight Riders for years. From IPL 2014 to IPL 2025, Russell was with KKR. Now, he will try his luck in the auction.  

Read More: Watch: Rajasthan Royals reveals new head coach in special video ahead of IPL 2026

CSK to bid for Andre Russell?

CSK Released Players: Ravindra Jadeja (traded to Rajasthan Royals), Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Sam Curran (traded to Rajasthan Royals), Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Shaik Rasheed, Matheesha Pathirana, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Rahul Tripathi, Vansh Bedi, and Andre Siddarth.

CSK Retained Players: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, M.S. Dhoni, Sanju Samson (traded from Rajasthan Royals), Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary, and Nathan Ellis.

Purse remaining: Rs. 43.40 crore

Slots left: 9 (4 overseas)

Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth shared his views on the major releases after the IPL 2026 retention deadline, including the most surprising one — Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) letting go of all-rounder Andre Russell. Even though Russell has strong T20 numbers and has been with KKR for more than ten years, Srikkanth felt the franchise made the right call because of his recent form.

Russell had a very poor IPL 2025 season with both bat and ball. He averaged under 19 with the bat and took only eight wickets in 13 matches, giving away runs at almost 12 an over.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said: “Andre Russell hasn’t done anything great in the last few years. Releasing him was the right move. Maybe they will buy him back at a lower price.”

The former opener also supported KKR’s decision to release their ₹23.75 crore buy, Venkatesh Iyer. “Venkatesh Iyer’s release was expected as he had a poor last IPL season. Even the year before that, he did well only in the playoffs,” he said.

Also Read -"In a Happy Place" Jofra Archer Feeling Strong and Confident Ahead of the Ashes, Says Brydon Carse

Srikkanth also agreed with the releases of Matheesha Pathirana, Liam Livingstone, and Ravi Bishnoi.

“Pathirana had very ordinary performances in the last two seasons. He only performed here and there, nothing great. Ravi Bishnoi’s release was expected. He is an overrated cricketer. Liam Livingstone was overpriced. These players will be bought again by some teams, but for lower prices,” he added.

Pathirana and Bishnoi were priced at ₹13 crore and ₹11 crore by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), while Livingstone joined the 2025 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for ₹8.75 crore.

Srikkanth Praises DC for Nitish Rana Trade

Kris Srikkanth praised the Delhi Capitals (DC) for getting Nitish Rana from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) through a trade before the IPL 2026 retention deadline. The left-hander showed some good moments in IPL 2025 for RR but ended the season with only 217 runs at an average of under 22 in 11 matches.

“Nitish Rana is a good player. He can be useful and on turning wickets, he can also bowl. So it’s a good plus for DC. I am not sure why RR let him go. Maybe he didn’t perform well last year. But players like Nitish Rana need to be handled well. Some cricketers need the right support,” Srikkanth said.

“Rana Can Be a Match-Winner”

Srikkanth added that Rana performed well for KKR because the team managed him properly.

“When Nitish Rana was with KKR, he was handled well. That’s why he did very well for them. How the team management handles players is very important, and Rana is one of those players. He can be a match-winner for you.”

Both DC and RR missed the playoffs in the 2025 season, with RR finishing second-to-last on the points table.

It’s the most famous moment for Andre Russell and Sunil Narine in their career. And, funnily, it wasn’t winning the title but being part of a moment post the title victory. Trinbago Knight Riders locked horns with the Guyana Amazon Warriors during the final of the 2025 season of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.

After the match, when wild celebration sparked off, in the midst of everything, both Sunil Narine and Andre Russell recreated the famous moment of ‘final match you perform, what happening’ as the video has gone viral around various social media platforms. It has brought back memories for the fans.

See Also: [WATCH] Was Fakhar Zaman out in IND vs PAK Super 4 clash of Asia Cup? Former India star analyzes

The birth of the video was from a clip in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) when a reporter asked Russell a question, which went viral immediately. ‘So the final match you perform, what happens?’ asked the reporter to both Russell and Narine, who replied, ‘What do you mean?’ in his usual antics.

Trinbago Knight Riders win their 5th CPL title in 2025

The Imran Tahir-led Guayana won the toss and decided to bat first at the Providence Stadium. They didn’t get a good start with the bat. After a 28-run knock in 17 balls at a strike rate of 164.71 from Ben McDermott, their middle order fell very cheaply. Later, Iftikhar Ahmed smashed 30 runs in 27 balls.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Trinbago Knight Riders (@tkriders)

Dwaine Pretorious clubbed 25 runs in 18 balls at a strike rate of 138.89, with the help of two over boundaries and one six. Romario Shepherd nailed 13 runs in nine balls to post 130/8 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Trinbago completed the chase by 18 overs with three wickets in hand.

Sunil Narine smacked 22 runs in 17 balls while Kieron Pollard smacked 21 runs in 12 balls at a strike rate of 175. Akeal Hossen, later, finished the chase with an unbeaten 16 runs in seven balls. It was their fifth title in the tournament and the first one in the last five years, as Nicholas Poora’s golden form with four T20 titles in the last 24 months continued.

Trinbago Knight Riders had a solid run through the league stage, finishing third on the table with six wins and four defeats. They have lifted their level in the playoffs, first cruising past Antigua and Barbuda Falcons by 9 wickets in the Eliminator, then brushing aside Saint Lucia Kings in Qualifier 2 with a commanding 56-run victory. 

On the other hand, Guyana Amazon Warriors have been one of the standout teams in this year’s Caribbean Premier League, finishing second in the group stage with six wins and four defeats. They carried that form into the playoffs, beating Saint Lucia Kings by 14 runs in Qualifier 1 to book their place in the final.

GAW vs TKR Match Details

Date: 22nd September, 2025

Time: 5:30 AM IST

Venue: Providence Stadium, Guyana 

Live Streaming: Fancode  

GAW vs TKR Weather Report

There are no signs of any rain interruptions throughout the game. It is pleasant conditions and perfect throughout the game. 

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: IND vs PAK Today Match Prediction– Super Four, Match 2, Who will win today?

Top Batters GAW vs TKR

• Shai Hope (GUY) - 479 runs in this tournament 

• Nicholas Pooran (TKR) - 425 runs in this tournament 

• Colin Munro (TKR) - 393 runs this tournament 

Top Bowler GAW vs TKR

• Imran Tahir (GUY) - 20 wickets in this tournament 

• Usman Tariq (TKR) - 19 wickets in this tournament 

• Gudakesh Motie (GUY) - 18 wickets in this tournament 

GAW vs TKR Recent Performance

GAW vs TKR Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1- If TKR bats first

• First Innings score prediction- TKR is expected to score 205-220 runs

• Result prediction- TKR will win the match by 15-35 Runs 

Scenario 2- If GAW bats first

• First Innings score prediction- GAW is expected to score 165-185 runs.

• Result prediction- TKR will win the match by 4 wickets 

GAW vs TKR Predicted Playing XI

Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) Playing XI 

Ben McDermott, Quentin Sampson, Shai Hope (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Shamarh Brooks, Moeen Ali, Hassan Khan, Romario Shepherd, Dwaine Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie, Imran Tahir.

Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) Playing XI

Colin Munro, Alex Hales, Nicholas Pooran (c & wk), Darren Bravo, Keacy Carty, Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Akeal Hosein, Saurabh Netravalkar, Usman Tariq.

GAW vs TKR Complete Squad

Guyana Amazon Warriors - 

Imran Tahir (Captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Shai Hope, Glenn Phillips, Gudakesh Motie, Moeen Ali, Shamar Joseph, Keemo Paul, Dwaine Pretorius, Shamarh Brooks, Kemol Savoury, Hassan Khan, Jediah Blades, Kevlon Anderson, Quentin Sampson, Riyad Latif.

Trinbago Knight Riders -

Kieron Pollard (Captain), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, Alex Hales, Akeal Hosein, Mohammad Amir, Colin Munro, Usman Tariq, Ali Khan, Darren Bravo, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Terrance Hinds, McKenny Clarke, Joshua Da Silva, Nathan Edward.

GAW vs TKR Today Match Prediction, Who Will Win the Match?

Trinbago Knight Riders to win

We predict that Trinbago Knight Riders will win this CPL 2025 match. Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell will be key players to watch out for.