Andre Russell made his debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2012, as he played for Delhi Capitals (now Delhi Daredevils). However, after joining the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 60 lakh at the 2014
auction, he established himself as one of the biggest match-winners in the league's history.
Russell won the IPL title in his first season with the franchise. In the following year, he won the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award for his all-round performances. Four years later, he won the prestigious award for the second time. In 2024, KKR won the IPL for the third time, and Russell produced brilliant performances, especially with the ball.
Russell was retained by KKR for INR 12 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction. While the stalwart didn't have a great outing in IPL 2025, it was hard to digest his release from KKR on November 15, on the final day of announcing retentions.
The IPL 2026 mini-auction is set to be held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on December 16. Russell is expected to be one of the hot picks at the event.
Here are 3 teams that could start a bidding war for Andre Russell at IPL 2026 Auction
3. Chennai Super Kings
Russell has produced some fantastic performances against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) over the years. He has snatched victory for KKR from the jaws of defeat. CSK have the second-highest purse in the auction of INR 43.4 crore. The five-time champions will want to bolster their side by roping in the 37-year-old from Jamaica.
CSK have traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in exchange for Sanju Samson. So, the Men in Yellow will need someone to finish games as Samson will bat in the top order. Jadeja was a proven finisher for CSK for several years. Russell can play that role to perfection. The Super Kings have also had an affinity for seam-bowling all-rounders. They had Jamie Overton and Curran in their ranks last season, but none of them could impress with their all-round abilities. An in-form Russell could transform the side and help them bounce back strongly after their disappointing campaign in IPL 2025.
2. Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR have been a franchise which has always valued loyalty. They have often brought back their former players during the auction. Andre Russell is undoubtedly one of their finest servants, and KKR could look to re-hire him come the mini-auction next month.
The Knights have a massive purse of INR 64.3 crore. If they want to re-sign Russell, they can do so fairly easily. But yes, they might have to dish out a sum of more than INR 12 crore. However, there is a possibility of the franchise targeting Cameron Green at the auction. With Rovman Powell already being retained, the Australian all-rounder does sign for KKR, it is highly unlikely that they would go for Russell.
1. Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have the third-highest purse heading into the IPL 2026 mini-auction. They have INR 25.5 crore in their kitty. They have played an ultra-aggressive brand of cricket since head coach Daniel Vettori and captain Pat Cummins joined forces. The Orange Army has amassed scores of 250-plus for fun in the last couple of seasons.
Russell's breathtaking batting will suit the SRH line-up, making it only stronger. Imagine a batting department comprising Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, and Andre Russell. Aniket Verma also played some magnificent cameos last year. The Jamaican cricketer could provide the firepower necessary at the back end, helping SRH finish games single-handedly.
