KKR Retires No. 12 Jersey in Honor of Andre Russell
News Summary
Editing reviewed.
- Kolkata Knight Riders have retired the No. 12 jersey in honor of Andre Russell.
- Russell scored 2,651 runs and took 123 wickets for KKR, winning the IPL title twice.
- This season, Russell will serve as KKR’s power coach, teaching finishing skills to young players.
March 24, Kathmandu – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have officially retired the No. 12 jersey to honor Andre Russell.
The announcement was made during the “Unplugged in Kolkata” event held in Kolkata on Tuesday ahead of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
With this decision, no player in KKR will wear the No. 12 jersey in the future. KKR CEO Venky Mysore made this declaration on stage, stating, “We want to retire this number in your honor.”
Russell made the jersey iconic through his aggressive performances, representing KKR with excellence for over a decade.
Ahead of the last IPL auction, Russell had hinted at possibly leaving KKR. However, he released a personal video clarifying that he will not play for any team other than KKR in the IPL.
Though Russell will not appear on the field this season either with bat or ball, he will serve as KKR’s power coach, mentoring young players in finishing techniques.
During his tenure with KKR, Russell amassed 2,651 runs and took 123 wickets. He played a crucial role in KKR’s two IPL title victories.
Russell began his IPL journey in 2012 with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and has been delivering aggressive performances since joining KKR in 2024.
Watching the video of his journey with KKR, Russell became emotional. “Watching that video made me a bit emotional,” he said.
“It was a special feeling to achieve tremendous success for over a decade and be part of a team that won two titles. Seeing what success means to everyone gave me unique happiness. Winning the World Cup is special, but winning the IPL is a completely different experience. I was emotional when we last won the title,” he added. “When you give your all on the field, there are no regrets when you step away from the game. I played every match as if it was my last IPL game.”
Russell expressed excitement to take on the role of coach. “I have no regrets in this role; I am excited,” he stated.
He also expressed his happiness to work alongside KKR’s head coach Abhishek Nayar and assistant coach Shane Watson.
Meanwhile, KKR has appointed Rinku Singh as the vice-captain for the new season, with Ajinkya Rahane confirmed as the captain.