New Delhi: In a city that worships him. Cricket Hero, Tuesday night was all about Andre Russell. During a lively pre-season event called Knights Unplugged in Kolkata, the Kolkata Knight Riders made a huge announcement: they retired the number one. 12 jerseys to honor Russell. This means that no player will wear that number again for the team.KKR CEO Venky Mysore paid tribute on stage, saying, “In your honour, we would like to retire this number for KKR,” acknowledging how Russell made the jersey famous with his powerful performances.
Before the last IPL The auction, speculations were rife that Russell might leave KKR. But he had already made his feelings clear in a personal video that he would only play for KKR or not at all in the IPL. Now, instead of playing, he has taken on a new role as the team’s power coach, helping young players improve their finishing skills.Looking back on his journey, Russell became emotional. Over the years, he scored 2,651 runs and took 123 wickets at an explosive strike rate, playing a key role in KKR’s title win.“I got a little emotional watching that video,” Russell admitted.“It’s been more than a decade of amazing success, being part of two title-winning teams. To see what it means to everyone… it’s a special treat. The World Cup feels special. When you win the IPL, it’s different. The last one we won, it brought tears to my eyes.”“When you’ve left everything on the field, you don’t regret walking away from the game,” he said.“Every game I played, I played as if it was the last game of my IPL career.”Excited about coaching now, he said, “I don’t regret being in this role. I’m excited,” and praised working with coaches like Abhishek Nair and Shane Watson.KKR also made Ranko Singh the vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane As they prepare for the new season.
