Islamabad, June 7, 2025 Andre Russell has launched countless sixes over the years, but one stands above the rest. His most unforgettable hit? A towering strike off Hardik Pandya at the Wankhede during the 2016 T20 World Cup. “That one was huge—pure timing, right off the sweet spot,” Russell says, still in awe of that shot.
Now 37, Russell recently landed in a chilly Durham for the West Indies’ T20 series against England. Fresh off his 13th IPL season with Kolkata Knight Riders, the globe-trotting all-rounder is feeling strong and ready.
For more than a decade, “Dre Russ” has been a staple in T20 leagues worldwide—from India to the USA, Australia to Canada, playing for teams with names that sound like a roll call from a superhero movie: Sultans, Kings, Tallawahs, Gladiators. He’s won two T20 World Cups and more than ten major franchise titles—an elite list mostly populated by his fellow West Indians: Pollard, Bravo, and Narine.
READ MORE: Virat Kohli Decides Retirement From Test Cricket
Andre Russell understands why Virat Kohli values Test cricket more, but says that luxury isn’t always afforded to Caribbean players. “In India, Australia, or England, Test players are well-compensated. In the West Indies, that’s not the case.”
READ MORE: Pakistan Breaks Unwanted Record in Test Cricket
Though he never formally left Test cricket, Russell only featured once—against Sri Lanka in 2010. “I didn’t quit. They just saw me as a white-ball guy and left it at that,” he says.
Still, he keeps a close eye on Tests and admires players like Ben Stokes and young Jacob Bethell. With no plans to retire soon, Russell hopes to tick off one more goal—a century for the West Indies. “That’d be the cherry on top,” he says. If it happens, expect fireworks—and plenty of balls flying into the stands.
