After nearly a decade-long association, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell will be seeking a new home in the upcoming Indian Premier League, having been released by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Over the years, Russell has witnessed both triumph and heartbreak while representing KKR, including two IPL titles in 2014 and 2024.
Ahead of the IPL auction scheduled for 16 December, KKR decided to part ways with Russell, who had become a familiar figure and a ‘homegrown hero’ for the franchise. Alongside him, the team also released several other notable players, including Venkatesh Iyer, acquired for ₹23.75 crore, as well as Moeen Ali, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Andre Nortje, Spencer Johnson, Mayank Markande (sold to Mumbai), Chetan Sakariya, and Luvnith Sisodia.
KKR are not the only franchise to make significant changes. Other teams also released key players on the final day of retention decisions, signalling strategic reshuffles across the league. Chennai Super Kings let go of Ravindra Jadeja (sold to Rajasthan Royals), Sam Curran (sold to Rajasthan), Matheesha Pathirana, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Bansh Bedi, Andre Siddharth, Sheikh Rashid, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti.
Rajasthan Royals released Kunal Singh Rathore, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahesh Tikshan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Akash Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Kumar Kartikeya, Sanju Samson (sold to Chennai), and Nitish Rana (sold to Delhi). Royal Challengers Bangalore parted ways with Liam Livingstone, Swastik Chikara, Tim Seifert, Manoj Vohra, Lungi Ngidi, Blessing Muzarabani, Mohit Rathee, and Mayank Agarwal.
Other franchises followed suit, with Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings all releasing notable players. These roster changes reflect not only strategic planning by the franchises but also create fresh opportunities for players in the highly competitive auction.
The 16 December auction promises to reshape the landscape of IPL 2025, with released stars like Russell potentially redefining fortunes for new teams. Fans eagerly await to see which players will join new franchises and how these decisions impact the league’s balance of power.