Andre Russell can't play this year, but we haven't released him: KKR CEO Venky Mysore

Andre Russell has been an instrumental cog in the KKR setup and played a big part in the team winning the 2014 edition of the IPL. Russell, considered to be the most gifted player to emerge from the Carribean in recent times, joined the Kolkata outfit in 2014, after debuting for Delhi Daredevils in 2012.

However, The Carribean all-rounder Andre Russell was hit with a setback when he was banned for a year by World Ant-Dopping Association(WADA) for a year for violating its clauses on the usage of banned substances. His IPL franchise, KKR has chosen to call it an ‘administrative error’ and came in support of him by retaining him, even though he won’t be available to play in this year’s edition. This was a big step from the Knight Riders, given the fact that retention policy for the next year is still unclear and most of the players will go into auction next year.

“It’s unfortunate that Russell has received a sanction for what I would call an administrative error,” Venky Mysore, the CEO of Knight Riders, said. “There has been a slip-up somewhere and I know it’s not his fault. He can’t play this year, but we haven’t released him. Next year, depending on retention rules, we’ll try and keep him with us.”

However, KKR did well in the auctions and did a fine job by purchasing a few players that would help them retain the team balance. Chris Woakes, the English all-rounder is expected to fill in the boots of Russell and Trent Boult will add to the bowling firepower. They have also got in a surprise package from the Carribean, which looks like a calculated risk, in Rovman Powell who is called Junior Russell in the local circuits. Nathan Coulter-Nile, the Aussie all-rounder is also drafted into the team.

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Russell had been quite an established figure in the KKR setup with his batting flamboyance, express pace and agility in the field. It needs to be seen how his replacements will step in for the outfit on the field.