Archive · 16 Nov 2025
KKR Release Andre Russell & Venkatesh Iyer Ahead of IPL Auction
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are changing their team for the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
They have decided to let go of famous players like Andre Russell, who has been with them for many years, and Venkatesh Iyer.
KKR is making these changes because they want to build a new team.
Andre Russell was a star player who helped KKR win championships, but his recent performance was not as good.
Venkatesh Iyer also had a mixed season.
By releasing these players, KKR now has a lot of money, about 64.3 crore rupees, to spend at the auction to buy new players.
They can pick up to 13 new players, including six from other countries.
Other teams like Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad are also making changes to their squads.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have released Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer ahead of the IPL auction.
Russell, an all-rounder, was with KKR for 12 years and was part of their 2014 and 2024 title wins.
Venkatesh Iyer, an expensive buy, had a subpar performance in IPL 2025 after a strong previous season.
KKR now possesses a substantial purse of ₹64.3 crore and needs to fill 13 slots in the upcoming auction.
Several other franchises, including Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, have also released players and are preparing for the auction.
- Who
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- What
- Released several key players including Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer, entering the IPL auction with a large purse.
- When
- Ahead of the upcoming IPL auction on December 16.
- Where
- Indian Premier League (IPL)
- Why
- Strategic decisions based on player performance and future team strategy, with the aim to rebuild and acquire new talent in the auction.
Player Performance
Franchise Decision
Andre Russell's Value
Player Performance
Was Player of the Tournament in IPL 2019, part of title-winning teams in 2014 and 2024, and retained for ₹12 crore for the 2025 mega auction.
Franchise Decision
Had a 'mediocre' IPL 2025 which contributed to his release after 12 years with the franchise.
Venkatesh Iyer's Form
Player Performance
Starred in the previous year with 404 runs including a century, averaging 28.86.
Franchise Decision
Scored only 142 runs in 11 games at a strike-rate of 139.22 in IPL 2025, contributing to the team's poor performance.
- Franchise
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Released Players
- Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Moeen Ali, Spencer Johnson, Mayank Markande, Chetan Sakariya, Luvnith Sisodia
- Players Retained
- Ajinkya Rahane
- New Auction Purse
- ₹64.3 crore
- Slots to Fill
- 13 (including 6 overseas)
- Auction Date
- December 16
- Auction Location
- Abu Dhabi
