Andre Russell, one of the biggest T20 stars in the world, has announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League with immediate effect. It was enough to create an emotional moment for fans, and Russell was not only a player but an entertainer who would turn games around in minutes. After 12 seasons of powerful batting, match-turning over, and unforgettable moments, Russell has decided to move away from IPL as a player. In this regard, the all-rounder from the West Indies was released by KKR ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Many reports came in stating that he might join CSK or any other franchises. But to the surprise of many, Russell said that he would not play in the IPL anymore. Instead, he will be back in the KKR family as a coach. This announcement came via an official KKR video on Sunday, wherein Russell said he will continue playing in other global leagues, but his IPL journey as a player is over. His words and tone indicated how much KKR and the IPL meant to him. Dre Russ leaves behind a long list of match-winning innings that shaped KKR’s history and made him a fan favorite across the world. 1️⃣2️⃣ years, a million memories. Thank you for everything @Russell12A 💜🫶 pic.twitter.com/ijzY68fAdG — KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) November 30, 2025 In this blog, we'll have a look at the top 5 innings of Andre Russell in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Also Read | Who Will Open for CSK in IPL 2026 After Samson Trade and Mhatre Rise? Top 5 Innings of Andre Russell in IPL History 1. 80* vs Mumbai Indians, 2019 Image Source: BCCI One of the best knocks from Russell came in IPL 2019 against Mumbai Indians. Russell batted at number 3 and smashed 80 not out off just 40 balls. He struck 8 sixes and 6 fours and helped KKR reach a massive 232 runs. The Mumbai Indians tried hard; Hardik Pandya scored 91 off just 34 balls, but KKR won by 34 runs. Russell also picked up two wickets in the game. This innings showed his ability to dominate top teams and take the game away in very little time. 2. 66 vs Punjab Kings, 2015 Image Source: BCCI This was one of Russell's most famous knocks in a run chase. Punjab Kings scored 155 on a slow pitch in 2015. KKR were expected to chase it easily, but Sandeep Sharma destroyed their top order, reducing them to 60/5. The team was in big trouble when Russell walked in. He scored 66 runs off 36 balls, hitting two sixes and nine boundaries. He got out to Mitchell Johnson, but by then he had already levelled the scores. KKR won the match by four wickets. This inning proved that Russell was not only a power hitter but a player who could rescue his team during pressure situations. Also Read | Star South African Player Skips IPL 2026 Auction, Chooses PSL Instead 3. 48 vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 2019 Image Source: BCCI This is one of Russell's most popular finishes. Chasing against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2019, KKR needed 68 runs from 26 balls when he walked in. He started slow, scoring just one run in four balls. Then came the storm. Chasing 52 off 16, Russell smacked three sixes in three balls. The target fell to 30 off 12 balls. Tim Southee bowled the 19th over. After Shubman Gill took a single on the first ball, Russell faced the remaining five balls and hit four sixes and one four. The scores were levelled in that over alone by him. On the first ball of the final over, KKR finished the chase. Russell was awarded the Man of the Match for one of the most iconic T20 chases ever seen. 4. 88 vs Chennai Super Kings, 2018 Image Source: BCCI In 2018, Russell played his highest IPL innings against Chennai Super Kings. He scored 88 not out off 36 balls with 11 sixes and one four. His strike rate in that inning was 244.44, which showed the level at which he was playing. Thanks to Russell's innings, KKR posted 202 runs. Though CSK won the match on the second last ball, Russell's knock became a highlight of the season. In fact, he proved himself to be a real dangerous player against big teams and at crunches. Also Read | 3 Team Likely to Target Prithvi Shaw in IPL 2026 Mini-Auction 64 v Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2024 Image Source: BCCI Russell produced yet another blaze into KKR's first game during the season 2024. He rumbled on to make an unbeaten score of 64 from just 25 balls, smashing seven sixes and three fours. With all these contributions, KKR totaled 208 runs while eventually losing to SRH by just four runs. Russell added two wickets from the match into his kitty. Thus, even in 2024, he proved that he was among the most dynamic players in the world of T20. An Era Ending in IPL Russell now retires from the IPL and thus brings an end to what was perhaps one of the most fearsome T20 careers that the world has actually seen. His game was one where he would hit long sixes at times change the course of the game within minutes and then deliver key overs making him one of the top price players in IPL history. The fan will miss the "Dre Russ Show," but he will be part of the league as he now takes on the mantle of a coach with KKR. It will not really feel like IPL without Russell coming in with his bat in hand, but his legacy and some of the best innings lingers on.