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KKR Retires Andre Russell's No. 12 Jersey, Names Rinku Singh Vice-Captain

The Kolkata Knight Riders have officially retired the No. 12 jersey in honor of legendary all-rounder Andre Russell. The announcement was made at the Knights Unplugged 3.0 event, where batter Rinku Singh was also appointed as the team's new vice-captain. Russell, who retired from playing in the IPL last November, will transition to the franchise's support staff as the "Power Coach" for the 2026 season. The Caribbean star played 140 IPL matches, scoring over 2,650 runs and taking 123 wickets, winning two titles and two MVP awards with KKR.

Key Points: KKR Retires Andre Russell's Jersey No. 12 Ahead of IPL 2026

  • Jersey No. 12 retired
  • Rinku Singh named vice-captain
  • Russell joins as Power Coach
  • Two-time IPL MVP
  • Won two titles with KKR
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KKR retires jersey No. 12 in honour of Andre Russell ahead of IPL 2026

KKR honors Andre Russell by retiring his No. 12 jersey and appoints Rinku Singh as vice-captain. Russell joins as "Power Coach" for 2026.

"Power Coach for the 2026 season - Andre Russell"

Kolkata, March 24

Three-time Indian Premier League champions Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday announced to retire jersey No. 12 in honour of Caribbean all-rounder Andre Russell.

The decision was revealed during the Knights Unplugged 3.0 event, where Rinku Singh was also appointed as the team's vice-captain.

Russell announced his retirement from the IPL on November 30 last year. The all-rounder confirmed that he will join KKR's support staff as the franchise's new "Power Coach" for the 2026 season.

During his IPL career, Russell played 140 games, scoring 2,651 runs, including 12 fifties and taking 123 wickets, with one five-wicket haul.

He made his IPL debut in 2012 for Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) before joining KKR in the 2014 auction.

He won two titles (2014 and 2024) for the Purple and Gold. Russell also won the IPL MVP award twice during this run, in 2015 and 2019.

KKR will start their campaign against five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 29 in Mumbai.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Well deserved! He was the heartbeat of the team for a decade. Excited to see him as the "Power Coach" - hope he can mentor the next generation of big hitters.
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Rohit P
Great move by the franchise. But I hope they don't retire numbers too often. What about Gambhir's 23? Or Narine's contribution? Just a thought.
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Sarah B
As a cricket fan from the UK, it's fantastic to see IPL teams honouring international players like this. Russell was pure entertainment. The Eden Gardens crowd will miss him.
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Vikram M
Absolute beast of a player! His stats are incredible for a lower-middle order batter who bowled crucial overs. That 48* off 13 against RCB is etched in memory. What a player!
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Ananya R
So happy for Rinku Singh becoming VC! Perfect mix of honouring a legend and building for the future. KKR management seems to have a good plan. All the best for the new season!

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