Andre RussellWestern comprehensive and Indian Premier League (IPL) legend, released Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, which ends its long and often illustrious association with the franchise. Russell remains one of the most destructive plants in T20 Cricket, boasting a phenomenal career strike rate of over 174 in the IPL, complete with 123 wickets.
Although his IPL 2025 Batting average could be reduced to 18.56 in 163.73 and his bowling economy rate was over 12.5 (taking 8 wickets), he is one of the single-handed winners with both bat and ball. Teams in need of a significant purse and a built-in, high-impact outside hitter will be in line for ‘Dre Russ’ firepower.
5 teams who can target Andre Russell in IPL 2026 mini-auction
1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR, the team that released Russell, will be a big contender to get him again. They hold the largest auction purse of INR 64.30 crore and have 13 slots to fill, including six foreign slots. The decision to release Russell (who was on a hefty salary of INR 12 crore) was almost certainly a calculated move to free up funds and instead of paying a certain retention amount, he bought him at a competitive price in an open auction. His familiarity with the franchise, the Eden Gardens Surface and his iconic status within the team make him a high-priority target to rebuild a strong finishing unit.
2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Enter the auction with the second biggest purse and overhaul of Rs 43.40 crore, releasing several world spinners and key players and key players. Their main need is to strengthen their all-around department and find another high-impact finisher. Russell is seen as the perfect solution, bringing the explosive, consistent batting ability that CSK has always valued. With a lot of money to make a disruptive impact and make an immediate impact, CSK may bid aggressively for Russell to add multiple number plates for Russell.
3. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) With a substantial purse of INR 22.95 crore and an attacker in the middle ranks, the seasoned LSG was released David Miller and it will be interesting to provide a large name finisher for the frequent presence of a type that is often lacking. Russell’s 2-3 with an economy of 2-3 off pace and the ability to hit huge sixes provides the complete package. He was the perfect complement to the kept nicholas loving Nicholas, transforming LSG’s lower-middle order into one of the most formidable in the competition.
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4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) A healthy purse of 25.50 crore and focused on fine-tuning their squad, especially in the middle order and death bowling. SRH’s batting often struggles with consistency and momentum between the middle and late overs. Russell provides a proven, high strike-rate solution to both problems: bat with the ball and a devastating finish with the puck taking a wicket. SRH have the funds and strategic motivation to ensure they have their innings and expert death bowling skills, consistently winning tight contests.
5. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals (DC) 21.80 crore and has a solid purse from a significant void to fill his overseas batting FAF du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk. While saving Mitchell Starc and Dushmantha Chameerayet there is still no shortage of all-round pace bowling in the lower-middle order. Russell provides this vital balance, able to extract a seasoned, compliant presence from the Indian Indian core he maintains (Kl rahul, rishabh pants). DC will see Russell as a highly effective and utility player who can immediately develop both batting depth and fast bowling options.
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 ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Russell remains one of the most destructive finishers in T20 cricket, boasting a phenomenal career strike rate of over 174 in the IPL.){kind=link}