KKR should release Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer: T20 World Cup-winning captain

Australia's T20 World Cup-winning captain, Aaron Finch, suggested that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) should release all-rounders Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer alongside Quinton de Kock ahead of the retention deadline - November 15.

Iyer had a disappointing season with the bat in IPL 2025, scoring just 142 runs in 11 matches at an average of 20.29. He couldn't justify his price tag of Rs 23.75 crore. On the other hand, Russell has been associated with KKR since 2014. The former West Indies all-rounder was retained for Rs 12 crore by the three-time champions ahead of the mega auction last year. He played 13 games in IPL 2025 and scored 167 runs in 10 innings in addition to taking eight wickets.

In a video shared by Star Sports on X, Finch was asked to name cricketers KKR should look to release 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.

Star Sports@StarSportsIndia

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

06:44 PM · Nov 10, 2025

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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.