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Russell’s reign ends as KKR wield the axe in IPL’s great retention shake-up
MUMBAI: In what ranks among the most stunning decisions in Indian Premier League history, Kolkata Knight Riders have severed ties with Andre Russell, ending a decade-long partnership with the explosive all-rounder who became synonymous with their brand of fearless cricket. The two-time champions didn’t stop there—Venkatesh Iyer, acquired for a staggering Rs 23.75 crore just last year, has also been shown the door.
The ruthless cull leaves KKR flush with Rs 64.3 crore for the upcoming auction, the fattest purse among all franchises. Chennai Super Kings weren’t far behind in their own bloodletting, releasing 11 players to amass Rs 43.4 crore—the second-largest war chest heading into the player bazaar.
The retention announcements revealed contrasting philosophies across teams. Mumbai Indians, typically conservative, showed surprising aggression by retaining 15 players including traded acquisitions Shardul Thakur (Rs 2 crore from Lucknow Super Giants) and Sherfane Rutherford (Rs 2.6 crore from Gujarat Titans). Royal Challengers Bangalore kept faith with just 14 players, whilst Sunrisers Hyderabad held onto a lean 13.
The trade market produced its own fireworks. The blockbuster swap saw Sanju Samson head to Chennai Super Kings for Rs 18 crore, whilst Ravindra Jadeja moved in the opposite direction to Rajasthan Royals for Rs 14 crore. Sam Curran joined Jadeja at the Royals for Rs 2.4 crore, completing a three-way reshuffle that could reshape the balance of power in the tournament.
Delhi Capitals bolstered their Indian core by trading for Nitish Rana (Rs 4.2 crore from Rajasthan), surrendering Donovan Ferreira (Rs 1 crore) in return. Punjab Kings assembled an eclectic mix of 21 retained players, the joint-highest alongside Lucknow Super Giants, who welcomed Mohammed Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 10 crore and Arjun Tendulkar from Mumbai for a modest Rs 30 lakh.
Gujarat Titans retained 18 players despite losing Rutherford, banking on stability over upheaval. Kolkata Knight Riders, meanwhile, kept faith with just eight players marked as traded in their official release—though the true number appears higher given their massive purse.
For Russell, who smashed 2,803 runs at a strike rate of 176.90 and claimed 101 wickets across 140 matches in KKR colours, the decision marks the end of an era. His ability to turn matches on their head with both bat and ball made him one of the league’s most feared competitors. Now, as teams sharpen their auction strategies, the West Indian maverick will find himself in unfamiliar territory—up for grabs in what promises to be one of the most consequential player sales in recent memory.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
