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Reason Behind Andre Russell: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday (November 15) released the list of its retained players for IPL 2026 and released veteran all-rounder Andre Russell. Many questions were raised upon Russell’s release. Now former Team India batsman Mohammad Kaif named Abhishek Nair as the biggest reason behind Russell’s release.

Let us tell you that before IPL 2026, the Kolkata franchise made a major change in the coaching staff and handed over the responsibility of head coach to Abhishek Nair. While presenting his side, Kaif said that the coach makes changes in the team as per his own convenience. The same was done from Abhishek’s side also.

Andre Russell was still important for Kolkata

Kaif also emphasized that Russell was an important player for Kolkata. Even though Russell was not at his peak, he could have added a lot of value to the team. Kaif talked about Russell on his YouTube channel.

What did Mohammad Kaif say? (Andre Russell)

Mohammad Kaif said, “It is not right to release Russell. You bought him for Rs 12 crore and for a player like him, it is not a huge amount. He is one of the coming of the generation players. Yes, he was not in form but later he also scored runs. But as the coach changes, he brings some changes with him. I think it was a big decision.”

Surprising decision (Andre Russell)

Kaif further said, “You can say that he was not at his peak but I think this is a format, especially in IPL, where experienced players perform well and there are many examples of that. I think the direct answer to his release is Abhishek Nair. Now he wants to build his own team, but it was a surprising decision.”