Andre Russell’s Legacy Honored as KKR Retires His Jersey No. 12

By Ananya Rao / 30.03.2026

In a significant tribute to his impactful career, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have retired Andre Russell’s jersey No. 12, honoring his contributions to the team. This announcement comes shortly after Russell’s retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) on November 30, 2025.

Russell, who played for KKR from 2014 to 2025, has left an indelible mark on the franchise. Over his IPL career, he participated in 140 matches, scoring 2,651 runs and taking 123 wickets. His performance earned him the IPL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award twice, in 2015 and 2019.

As KKR prepares for their 2026 campaign, which kicks off on March 29 against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium, Russell has joined the team’s support staff as the ‘Power Coach’. This role will allow him to continue influencing the team, albeit from the sidelines.

Historically, KKR has struggled against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium, winning only 2 out of their last 12 encounters. The upcoming match will be crucial for KKR, especially under the leadership of new captain Ajinkya Rahane, as they aim to improve their record.

In an exciting development during the IPL 2026 opener, Rohit Sharma became the first Indian to hit 550 sixes in T20 cricket. He achieved this milestone in his 464th T20 appearance, further solidifying his status as one of the premier players in the format.

Rohit Sharma’s achievement adds another layer of anticipation to the match against KKR, as he has also hit over 300 sixes in IPL, second only to Chris Gayle’s record of 357. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the league’s most competitive teams.

As fans and analysts reflect on Russell’s legacy, the retirement of his jersey number serves as a reminder of his significant contributions to KKR’s success over the years. His presence on the field will be missed, but his influence will continue through his coaching role.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding how KKR will adapt to the changes in their lineup following Russell’s departure. However, the team remains optimistic about their prospects in the upcoming season.