KKR star all-rounder to retire from international cricket

The Caribbean and Kolkata Knight Riders star all-rounder Andre Russell is all set to retire from international cricket after the first two T20Is against Australia at his home ground at Sabina Park in Jamaica on Tuesday, July 22.

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Russell, who played one Test and 56 ODIs, has been regularly representing the West Indies national team only in T20Is, having played 84 games so far. However, his retirement is coming with seven months to go before the T20 World Cup 2026.

"Words cannot explain what it meant. To represent the West Indies has been one of the proudest achievements in my life. When I was a kid, I did not expect to get to this level, but the more you start to play and get to love the sport, you realise what you can achieve. This inspired me to become better because I wanted to leave a mark in the maroon colours and become an inspiration to others,” Russell said.

"I love playing for the West Indies and I love playing at home in front of my family and friends where I get to showcase my talent and produce more high-quality performances. I want to finish my international career on a high while being a role model for the next generation of cricketers coming out of the Caribbean,” he added.

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It’s important to note that Russell’s retirement has come in less than two months after Nicholas Pooran, who announced his retirement to focus more on T20 leagues across the world. Russell is part of the successful campaigns for the West Indies in the T20 World Cups in 2012 and 2016.

"Andre has always been the consummate professional and a fierce competitor. Whether I was captaining him or now coaching him, his hunger to perform and win for West Indies has never wavered. I wish him all the best on his next chapter, and I hope he continues to inspire generations to come, head coach Daren Sammy said.

All-rounder Matthew Forde will replace Russell in the T20I squad against Australia for the last three T20Is of the five-match series.

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West Indies T20I squad for Australia series:

Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd

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