KKR retire jersey No. 12 in honour of Andre Russell

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have retired jersey number 12 in tribute to their long-time player Andre Russell who retired from IPL cricket in November last year after not being retained by the franchise.

Russell, who joined KKR in 2014, played 133 games for the franchise out of his 140 matches in the IPL. The West Indian all-rounder began his IPL career with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2012 and continued with the franchise in 2013 as well, playing seven games for them in all. Since 2014, the player became an integral part of the KKR family missing out on only one season (2017) due to an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV).

Notably, the 37-year-old was part of the 2014 and 2024 title-winning squads. While the West Indian played only two games and contributed minimally in 2014, he was a key member of the 2024 side. The all-rounder scored 222 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 185 and picked up 19 wickets in 14 innings.

Being a part of the KKR family, Russell has also played for the group's sister franchises Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Abu Knight Riders in the International League (ILT20).

ICYMI: Jersey no. 12 forever belongs to DRE RUSS 💜 pic.twitter.com/D1cFfhuYvI

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 24, 2026

I got a bit emotional watching the video: Russell

The franchise honoured Russell at their pre-season event Knight Unplugged in Kolkata. The power-hitter compared the feeling of winning an IPL title with that of a World Cup triumph and reflected on the KKR journey, expressing his gratitude towards the management.

“It has been over a decade of amazing achievements with this franchise, and I got a bit emotional watching the video. To be a part of two championship-winning teams with KKR, and to see what it means to everyone, that’s an amazing feeling. When you win a World Cup, that feels special, but when you win the IPL, it’s something different. I just want to say thanks to this franchise for making this journey so special for me,” said Russell.

Russell is now the 'power coach' at KKR. Asked how different a feeling it was to be in a coaching role after being a player for so many years, Russell shrugged off by saying that it was all about giving back to the players.  

"I don't think it has affected my mindset. It is more about coming and giving back to all the guys I have played with and against. I just feel very good about coming back and giving back to the guys," added Russell.