With the IPL retention deadline just around the corner, the buzz around player retention and release has picked up pace. According to reports, the IPL auction is likely to take place in mid-December, while the retention deadline is reported to be November 15.
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Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle has now made bold predictions before the retention deadline. He suggested that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) could release their star all-rounder Andre Russell.
Harsha Bhogle makes a bold prediction, asks KKR to release Andre Russell
Talking to Cricbuzz, Harsha Bhogle was asked to predict whether selected players would be retained or released ahead of the IPL 2026 Mini-auction.
While the list involved several big stars, one name that made the headlines was West Indian star Andre Russell. Bhogle suggested that KKR should now release Russell and focus on building a team for the future.
"Controversial one, I am gonna say release. I think sometimes you look at a player and see how much lies ahead," said Bhogle when asked whether KKR should release or retain Andre Russell.
Russell has been one of the biggest stars and the senior-most player of the Knight Riders franchise. He has been associated with the side since 2014 and has been a very integral part of their setup.
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He has played 133 matches for KKR and displayed his all-round brilliance, averaging 29 with the bat and 21 with the ball and taking the side to victories on numerous occasions.
However, the 37-year-old Caribbean stars' numbers in the past few seasons have not been great. In 42 games since 2023, he has scored just 616 runs at 22.8, while picking up 34 wickets. With age not on his side, whether KKR will retain or release Russell would be an interesting call.
Harsha Bhogle's other retention prediction
- Andre Russell (KKR) - Release
- T Natarajan (DC) - Release
- Liam Livingstone (RCB) - Release
- Jofra Archer (RR) - Retain
- Glenn Maxwell (PBKS) - Release
- Devon Conway (CSK) - Release
- Ishan Kishan (SRH) - Retain
- Deepak Chahar (MI) - Retain
- Venkatesh Iyer - Release
- Mohammad Shami - Release
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