Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth has expressed his surprise after Andre Russell announced his IPL retirement ahead of IPL 2026 auction. Russell’s decision to call time on his IPL career came after he was not retained by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the 2026 mini auction. The West Indies all-rounder parted ways with the three-time champions after 11 seasons.
The hard-hitting all-rounder joined KKR in 2014 and he is one of the two players in IPL history to have scored over 2000 runs and pick 100 wickets. However, in IPL 2025, Russell scored 167 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 163.72 including a 50.
Furthermore, Dre Russ scalped eight wickets in nine innings at an average of 27.12 and an economy of 11.94. Russell has been given the new role of a Power Coach by KKR for IPL 2026.
Srikkanth said Chennai Super Kings could have picked Russell in the mini auction.
Srikkanth said on his YouTube Channel, “There were lot of reports that CSK might even pick him as an all-rounder because they need one. And even other teams were looking for the same thing. So I don’t know why he retired.”
On the other hand, Srikkanth also shed light on Faf du Plessis’ decision to opt out of IPL 2026 to play in PSL. The top-order batter was released by Delhi Capitals in November after scoring 202 runs in nine games at a strike rate of 123.92 in the previous season.
“Brilliant player and a committed cricketer. Even at this age, he was a committed person. Faf has been fabulous, he has done brilliantly for CSK. He has been in their championship sides for quite some time. And a brilliant fielder, even now he is an incredible fielder,” said Srikkanth.
Meanwhile, the 1983 World Cup winning player also showered praise on Abhishek Sharma for continuing his rich form. The left-hander smashed 148 runs off just 52 balls against Bengal in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy while playing for Punjab. The southpaw completed his fifty off just 12 balls.
“How is he playing like this? 16 sixes in just otherworldly. This is something fantastic. He is a phenomenon, ultimately. It’s a phenomenal performance but he is becoming a phenomenon now. What kind of knocks is he playing? And it was against Shami, Akash Deep, and Shahnaz Ahmed, so three international bowlers and recognised players. He has smashed the,m which means the kind of confidence that boy has is something fantastic,” said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).
Abhishek Sharma is currently the number one batter in the ICC T20I rankings.
