"Always gave us a fight" - Andre Russell names toughest IPL opponents after announcing retirement from league ahead of 2026 auction

Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) all-rounder Andre Russell named five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) as his toughest opponent in the Indian Premier League (IPL) following his recent retirement. The Caribbean ace was released by the franchise ahead of the 2026 Auction, and has been included in the backroom staff as the new 'Power Coach'.

Andre Russell has had a difficult time against the Mumbai Indians (MI) during his IPL career, averaging only 18.57 with the bat across 19 matches. It is the lowest batting average he has against an opponent whom he has faced at least 10 times.

Half of his 16 innings against MI have resulted in single-digit scores, which includes a golden duck during the 2019 edition.

With the ball, he has fared comparitively better, picking up 19 wickets at an average of 24.68, and an economy rate of 9.67.

"I enjoy playing against most teams. There will always be challenges, but this particular team - Mumbai Indians - always gives us a fight, whether they come to Kolkata or when we go to the Wankhede. We know that, okay, we're going into that ring," Andre Russell told Cricbuzz.

He also named MI pacer Jasprit Bumrah as the most challenging bowler he has ever faced in the IPL.

"One of the most challenging bowlers that I've always come up against is Jasprit Bumrah. As soon as I come in to bat, most of the time they give him the ball. He has got me out a few times but I have also enjoyed hitting him for a few boundaries. I love those challenges where I'm not going to say, "I'm going to just bat him out or not take him on." I like to take on challenges. He's one of the best in the world right now - maybe the best T20 bowler, or the best T20 fast bowler. So that challenge was always special," Russell added.

Andre Russell has lost his wicket to Jasprit Bumrah four times in his IPL career, with the first instance coming in the 2018 season at the Wankhede Stadium. The pacer dismissed him twice in the 2020 edition as well.

The explosive all-rounder has scored 57 runs off 45 deliveries against the Indian pacer, hitting two sixes, and with a strike rate of 126.66.

"I said, hmm, that describes Dre Russ perfectly" - Andre Russell on being offered the 'Power Coach' role ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

After he retired from international cricket and the IPL, Andre Russell has already transitioned into a coaching role. His very first stint is set to be with KKR, where he has been named as their new 'Power Coach'.

The franchise has made several changes to their coaching setup after parting ways with Chandrakant Pandit during the off-season. Russell will have a familiar face in the dugout, with his international teammate, Dwayne Bravo, serving as the franchise mentor.

"To be honest, when I heard that name coming from Mr Venky (Mysore, the CEO), I said, hmm, that describes Dre Russ perfectly, that describes Andre Russell... because when it comes to what I've been doing on the field - the power that I possess when I bat, the energy that I show in the field with the ball in hand - I thought, yeah, this name sounds good: POWER COACH," Russell said.

The veteran will have a crucial role overseeing KKR's major revamp under head coach Abhishek Nayar and captain Ajinkya Rahane. The three-time winners head into the auction with the biggest purse and have their eyes set on some high-profile names.