Shah Rukh Khan reflects on Andre Russell’s decade-long impact on KKR after IPL exit

Shah Rukh Khan has shared a heartfelt message for Andre Russell after the West Indies all-rounder announced that he is retiring from the Indian Premier League as a player. The update came just weeks before the 2026 mini auction, and it marks the end of an era for Kolkata Knight Riders, where Russell spent many memorable seasons.

Russell posted a video on Sunday confirming his decision to step away from playing in the tournament. Soon after, Shah Rukh Khan responded with a note that reflected both admiration and gratitude. He called Russell the team’s “knight in shining armour” and thanked him for the years he spent energising the purple and gold squad.

Shah Rukh wrote that Russell’s contribution to KKR would always remain significant. He also spoke about the cricketer’s next step, as he takes on the role of power coach within the team. According to the actor, Russell will now pass on “wisdom, muscle and power” to the younger players. Shah Rukh ended his message by saying that seeing Russell in any other jersey would feel unusual, adding, “Muscle Russell for life.”

In his announcement video, Russell mentioned that he held multiple discussions with Shah Rukh Khan and KKR CEO Venky Mysore before finalising his decision. His exit as a player comes shortly after the franchise released him during the recent list update. While his performance dipped in the last couple of seasons, Russell remains one of the most influential performers in IPL history, known for match-changing spells and game turning cameos.

Shah Rukh has co-owned KKR since 2008, along with Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta. Over the years, the team has become one of the most popular franchises in the league, benefiting from both strategic rebuilding and strong player relationships. Russell, who joined KKR in 2014, became central to the squad’s identity with his aggressive style and loyal presence.

On the work front, Shah Rukh Khan last appeared in Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki in 2023. This year, he made a cameo in Aryan Khan’s web series and also appeared on The Roshans. He is now shooting for Siddharth Anand’s King, featuring Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and others.