KKR should release Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer: T20 World Cup winning captainAaron Finch, Australia’s T20 World Cup-winning captain, has proposed that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) release all-rounders Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, and Quinton de Kock before the retention deadline of November 15.
Iyer had a dismal season with the bat in the IPL 2025, earning only 142 runs in 11 matches at an average of 20.29. He couldn’t explain the Rs 23.75 crore price tag. Russell, on the other hand, has been with KKR since 2014. The three-time winners retained the former West Indies all-rounder for Rs 12 crore prior to last year’s blockbuster auction. He played 13 games in the IPL 2025, scoring 167 runs in 10 innings and getting eight wickets.
In a video published by Star Sports on X, Finch was asked to pick players whom KKR should consider releasing ahead of next month’s mini auction.
“Rs 23.75 crore – it’s too high for a player that they (KKR) bought as an opening batter but then used in the middle. Didn’t really bowl him all that much. That’s way too much to pay for a player playing out of position,” Finch said when asked about Iyer.
“I will release, but I think you could get a great trade, but we know that they are not going to do that and never release Dre Russ,” the cricketer-turned-expert said about Russell.
Venkatesh Iyer’s big price tag 💰
Quinton de Kock’s experience 🧠
Andre Russell’s explosiveness 💥With plenty on the line ahead of TATA IPL 2026, Aaron Finch reveals who #KKR should Hold or Fold! 💜
WATCH TATA IPL 2026 Retention Special 👉🏻 SAT, 15th NOV, 5 PM on Star Sports… pic.twitter.com/yU8MeHgKhS
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 10, 2025
KKR finished eighth last season under Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership. They will look to bounce back strongly in the upcoming edition of the cash-rich league.
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