Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif opined that it wasn’t right for Kolkata Knight Riders to release Andre Russell ahead of IPL 2026 auction. The West Indies power-hitter, who has been with KKR since 2014, was released after a sub-par performance in 2025. Kaif argued that Russell was still an asset for KKR despite not being at his peak, while also pinning the blame on Abhishek Nayar for the move.
New KKR coach Nayar blamed for Russel’s release
In a video on his YouTube channel, Kaif accused Nayar of wanting to create his own team and claimed that the reason to release Russell was astonishing. Dubbing the West Indies star as a once in a generation star, the ex-Indian cricketer said that his release wasn’t right, adding that while was out of form, he had scored runs later on too. Kaif claimed that when coaches change, they tended to change the team as well, while adding that Rs 12 crore – the amount that Russell was retained for – wasn’t a big one for the team.
“Russell’s release is not right. You had him at 12 crore and that is not a big amount really for a player like him. He is once in a generation player. Yes he was out of form but later on he scored runs too. But as coaches change, they bring some changes. I think this was a big call. You can say he was not at his peak but I feel this is such a format, specially in the IPL, where experienced players do well and there are many examples. I feel the straight answer to his release is Abhishek Nayar. He wants to make his own team now. But this was an astonishing call,” Kaif opined.
Russell has been a part of KKR since 2014 after making his move from DC. 2593 runs out of 2651 runs that he has amassed is with KKR. Similarly, he has taken 122 wickets during his tenure with the three-time champions. Nayar has replaced Chandrakant Pandit as the head coach of KKR ahead of IPL 2026.
