KKR retire Andre Russell's No. 12 jersey and appoint him as franchise's first Power Coach
No future KKR player will wear the number 12. The franchise announced on Tuesday at their pre-season event, Knights Unplugged 3.0, that Andre Russell's jersey has been retired for good, making it the first time an IPL franchise has taken that step to honour a player.
Twelve years, two titles, one jersey
Russell joined KKR in 2014 and stayed until he announced his IPL retirement on November 30, 2025. In those 11 seasons, he helped the franchise win the title twice, in 2014 and again a decade later in 2024. The Jamaican all-rounder was never just another overseas signing at KKR. He was the identity of the team, the man who could swing a game in three overs with bat or ball, and the one whose walk to the crease at the death sent fielders scrambling to protect boundaries.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore said the decision to retire the jersey was straightforward. "It is a fitting tribute to a man who gave fans so many reasons to celebrate," Mysore said at the event. Russell himself was visibly emotional, describing his time at KKR as "one of the most special chapters" of his career.
From player to Power Coach
Russell is not leaving the KKR setup. He will stay on as the franchise's "Power Coach," a new role that puts him alongside the regular coaching staff. The job will focus on the things Russell did better than almost anyone in IPL history: hitting boundaries under pressure, death bowling, and athletic fielding.
For younger players in the squad, having Russell in the nets every day is a resource that money cannot buy. He played in 11 IPL seasons for KKR and knows the rhythms and demands of the tournament better than most coaches who have never played it. His appointment adds another layer to KKR's already well-resourced coaching structure.
Saini fills the bowling gap
While Russell's legacy was being honoured, the present-day squad was also getting a boost. KKR confirmed Navdeep Saini as the replacement for injured pacer Harshit Rana, who tore a knee ligament during a T20 World Cup warm-up match and has been ruled out of the tournament. Saini, signed for INR 75 lakh, gives KKR an experienced fast-bowling option while they also wait on the fitness of Dushmantha Chameera and others in their pace battery.
KKR begin their title defence against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29.
