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When Russell annoyed KKR coach Shane Watson with weird antics in heated IPL face-off

Mayank

Andre Russell and Shane Watson feud [@OneCricketApp/X]Andre Russell and Shane Watson feud [@OneCricketApp/X]

Andre Russell is set to part ways with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, after he was released by the franchise just a year after he was retained by them at 12 crore.

The surprising release comes just days after the former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson joined the franchise as an assistant coach, reminding everyone of their famous feud over a decade ago.

When Andre Russell and Shane Watson IPL altercation caught headlines

The incident happened on May 5, 2014, during match 25 of the season, as the sun boiled down in Ahmedabad.

At the 17.3 over mark of the first innings, as Watson faced the West Indies star and looked for a strong finish, Russell looked like pulling out of his run-up. The RR batter got distracted, thinking it was a dead-ball and got into a relaxed position from his stance.

However, to everyone's surprise, the fast bowler ended up bowling the delivery, which was considered legitimate by the on-field umpire Nigel Long and no runs were scored off it.

Later during the same match, as the Knight Riders looked to chase 171, Russell batted at 3, and Watson did not miss his chance. The Aussie dismantled Russell's middle stump and dismissed him for just 1(3), giving him a cold stare.

The Royals ended up winning the clash by 10 runs, but KKR went on to clinch their second IPL title in the same year.

The 37-year-old finishes his journey with the Kolkata-based franchise as a two-time champion after spending 12 seasons with them. He is the second leading run-scorer in their history, with 2658 runs in 115 innings to his name, at a whopping strike rate of 175.09.