'I didn't want to fade out': Andre Russell on retiring from IPL

It was a surprise when Kolkata Knight Riders released Andre Russell. It was an even bigger surprise when Russell retired and joined the franchise's coaching staff as power coach, stating that he did not want to be seen in any other jersey.

On the greater demands of the IPL compared to other leagues:

Definitely. It is based on the number of games and the travel. You have to manage recovery, practice, and gym workload. With a big league like the IPL, it's always challenging for me as an all-rounder. To bat, bowl, and field—it's always challenging. You always want to ensure your best performance is at hand.

On never considering playing as a batter only:

I have never thought about that. My batting complements my bowling and my bowling complements my batting. I always look forward to bowling at least two overs. If I'm bowling well, then my batting will automatically flow. I couldn't see myself playing as just an impact player or batting only. I have to be fair to what I enjoy doing, which is both.

On standout moments from his 12 IPL seasons:

• The 2014 IPL trophy: My first massive league championship. To be part of the winning franchise in 2014 was special.
• The five-wicket haul against Mumbai Indians (2021): I bowled two overs in the backend and the execution was on point.
• The innings against RCB at Chinnaswamy (2019): We were out of it. Fans were leaving, and when I started hitting sixes, they came back. That was a very special innings.
• The 2024 IPL trophy: I got emotional. I played a big part, picking up three important wickets in the final.

On the toughest IPL battle:

Mumbai Indians always gives us a fight, whether in Kolkata or at the Wankhede. We know we're going into that ring.

On the toughest bowler:

Jasprit Bumrah. As soon as I come in to bat, most of the time they give him the ball. He has got me out but I have also enjoyed hitting him. He's one of the best in the world. That challenge was always special.

On having the best balls-per-six ratio in IPL history:

It comes from preparation. I know I'm a finisher. I practise from ball one trying to hit sixes and fours. If I get 18 deliveries, I want to hit at least six sixes. I only think about boundaries.

I also have the highest career strike rate in the IPL (174.17). To play for so many years and maintain that is special. It comes from the work behind the scenes.

On using data and match-ups:

I would watch a lot of cricket before games. I was interested to see how bowlers operated after 10 overs, because that's when I bat for KKR. I would note if a bowler tended to bowl slower balls. When you do your homework, it comes from a lot of match-ups.

On an underrated performance:

I once missed a flight, had a long layover, and landed in Kolkata the morning of a day game. I went straight from the airport to the hotel, got maybe an hour of sleep, and played. Everyone asked if I was sure. I turned up, got three wickets, and scored 60-plus runs. That was a special game that showed my commitment.

On knowing it was the right time to retire:

Take Usain Bolt or AB de Villiers. They retired at the top and people asked "why?" I felt this was the best decision. I don't want to fade out; I want to leave a legacy. It's best to retire when people still say "why" rather than when they say you should have retired years ago.

On his new role as 'power coach':

I'll do that role as best as I can. We have Abhishek Nayar, Shane Watson, Tim Southee and Dwayne Bravo already. We will plan our roles. I am happy to help in any department—the gym, fitness, anything. I'm there to assist any player.

When I heard the name from Mr. Venky Mysore (KKR CEO), I thought it describes me perfectly—the power I possess when I bat, the energy I show in the field. This name sounds good: POWER COACH.