New Delhi: West Indies big-hitter Andre Russell on Sunday announced his retirement from the Indian Premier League, bringing an end to a 13-year stint in the tournament. However, he will remain with the Kolkata Knight Riders in a new role as the franchise’s “power coach”.

Russell, a pace-bowling all-rounder, was released by KKR after a disappointing 2025 season and has chosen not to enter the IPL auction scheduled for December 16.

The 37-year-old confirmed he will continue playing in other global T20 leagues, including the Caribbean Premier League.

"It's best to retire when fans ask: 'Why? You still have some more in you'," Russell said.

"I'll be back. I'm here to say I will be a part of the KKR support staff as the new 'power coach' in 2026.

"When I heard that name, 'power coach', I felt that describes Andre Russell the best, because the power that I possess when I bat, the energy that I show in the field with ball in hand, I can help in any department," he added.

Russell played 140 IPL matches after making his debut with Delhi in 2012. He joined Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014 and went on to win two IPL titles with the franchise.

Meanwhile, South African veteran Faf du Plessis announced he will skip next year’s IPL to take part in the Pakistan Super League instead.

"India has a special place in my heart, and this certainly isn't goodbye -- you'll see me again," he said on social media.