“CSK might have picked him as an all-rounder” - Kris Srikkanth stunned at IPL star’s retirement ahead of 2026 auction

Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth expressed surprise at veteran all-rounder Andre Russell retiring from the IPL ahead of the 2026 auction. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released the 37-year-old after he spent over a decade with the franchise last month.

Despite the seemingly high demand likely for him at this month's auction, Russell called time on his IPL career and decided to remain with KKR as their power coach.

Reacting to the news on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said (27:55):

"There were lot of reports that CSK might even pick him as an all-rounder because they need one. And even other teams were looking for the same thing. So I don't know why he retired."

The former opener also reflected on veteran opener Faf du Plessis withdrawing from IPL 2026 after the Delhi Capitals (DC) released him ahead of the auction.

"Brilliant player and a commited cricketer. Even at this age, he was a commited person. Faf has been fabulous, he has done brilliantly for CSK. He has been in their championship sides for quite some time. And a brilliant fielder, even now he is an incredible fielder," said Srikkanth.

The 41-year-old was part of the Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) title-winning sides of 2018 and 2021. However, Faf endured a disappointing IPL 2025 season, averaging only 22.44 in nine outings.

"He is becoming a phenomenon now" - Kris Srikkanth on Abhishek Sharma's SMAT 2025-26 heroics

Kris Srikkanth called Team India opener Abhishek Sharma a phenomenon after the latter's heroics for Punjab in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) clash against Bengal on November 30. The young left-hander broke several records en route to a breathtaking 148 off 52 deliveries, helping Punjab post a massive 310/5 in 20 overs.

"How is he playing like this? 16 sixes in just otherworldly. This is something fantastic. He is a phenomenon ultimately. It's a phenomenal performance but he is becoming a phenomenon now. What kind of knocks is he playing? And it was against Shami, Akash Deep and Shahnaz Ahmed so three international bowlers and recognised players. He has smashed them which means the kind of confidence that boy has is something fantastic," said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).

Abhishek has already established himself as a T20I giant and is currently the top-ranked T20I batter in the ICC rankings. He reached his half-century off a mere 12 deliveries and his century off 32 balls in the Bengal encounter.