Andre Russell has announced his retirement as a player from the Indian Premier League, bringing an end to the long 14-year journey in the league. The star all-rounder spent as many as 12 years with the Kolkata Knight Riders and developed into one of the most powerful T20 players in the world. Even after retirement, Russell will continue his long bond with KKR, which has named him their Power Coach for the IPL 2026 season. He was released by KKR ahead of the 2026 auction, a move that raised eyebrows among fans. He was expected to be among the top buys in the mini auction on December 16. Many teams were ready to bid big for him. But Russell decided not to enter the auction, saying he does not want to wear another team's jersey. He also said he wishes to stay with KKR, a team he won the IPL with in 2024. The franchise has now given him a new role that matches his style of play. Also Read | Will RCB Play IPL 2026 at Chinnaswamy After Stampede Tragedy? What is a Power Coach? The Power Coach is a new role within the sport of cricket and has not been seen previously. It's unique because, for the most part, a cricket team usually has batting, bowling, and fielding coaches. A Power Coach does have a special job and focuses on one area only: power-hitting. Though KKR has not given full details about the job, the name itself says much. A Power Coach works with players in the middle order, who are expected to score fast runs in the final overs. He helps them improve their six-hitting ability and gives them tips for finishing an innings in high-pressure moments. Also Read | Top 10 forgotten stars of IPL Role of a Power Coach A Power Coach is expected to: Train batters to improve power-hitting skills Prepare players for slog overs Guide youngsters on shot selection and bat swing Help hitters stay calm during pressure situations Increase energy level during match practice Work closely with big hitters in the middle order. Russell said the role fits everything that he has done within his career. His heavy-hitting, speedy scoring, and high energy made him one of the most feared hitters in T20 cricket. He also spoke that such a title does fit: “Power Coach.” With Russell now part of the support staff, KKR will be hoping that some of the young players learn from one of the biggest finishers in IPL history. His experience and natural hitting ability will help shape the next set of strong batters for the team.