Andre Russell retires from IPL; Shah Rukh Khan writes emotional tribute to KKR star News24 –

By Correspondent On Nov 30, 2025

Just two weeks before the 2026 IPL mini-auction, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell announced that he is stepping away from the tournament as a player. The news marked the end of an era for Kolkata Knight Riders, and team co-owner Shah Rukh Khan shared an emotional tribute as Russell gears up to take on a new responsibility within the franchise.

After Russell posted a retirement video on social media on Sunday, Shah Rukh responded with a note filled with gratitude and admiration. He called Russell “our Knight in shining armour” and celebrated his unforgettable contributions to the KKR legacy. “Thank you for the wonderful memories, Andre. Our Knight in shining armour!!! Your contribution to @KKRiders is one for the books…”

Writing about how the cricketer is now transitioning to the role of a power coach within the team, the star added, “And here’s to another chapter in your fantastic journey as a sportsman… The power coach – passing down the wisdom, the muscle and of course the power down to our boys in purple and gold… And yes, any other jersey would indeed look weird on you my man… Muscle Russell for life! Love u… on behalf of the team and everyone who loves the sport!!”

Thank you for the wonderful memories, Andre. Our Knight in shining armour!!! Your contribution to @KKRiders is one for the books… and here’s to another chapter in your fantastic journey as a sportsman… The power coach – passing down the wisdom, the muscle and of course the… https://t.co/P9l6gBwoXR

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) November 30, 2025

Shah Rukh Khan, who has co-owned KKR since 2008 along with Jay Mehta, has long shared a strong relationship with Russell, making the transition an emotional moment for fans of the franchise.

Shah Rukh Khan’s recent work

On the film front, Shah Rukh was last seen in three 2023 releases Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki followed by a cameo in Aryan Khan’s debut Netflix series The Ba**ds of Bollywood. He also appeared in The Roshans. SRK is currently filming Siddharth Anand’s King, which features Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and more.