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"Could be upgraded Russell": Aakash Chopra predicts IPL megastar's KKR replacement

Harsh Adwani

Aakash Chopra predicts Andre Russell's replacement for KKR [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]Aakash Chopra predicts Andre Russell's replacement for KKR [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were in the thick of things during the IPL 2026 retentions. They made some tough calls, like releasing Venkatesh Iyer, who was worth ₹23.75 crores. But a decision that came as a shock to many was letting Andre Russell go after a strong association of 12 seasons. 

Many experts are expecting them to buy him back in the player auctions for a cheaper price. However, former Indian player Aakash Chopra believes that the management might have moved on from him and can target an "upgraded version of Russell" in Cameron Green in the auctions. 

He believes that KKR's bowling is not impacted much by letting go of some of their key players, including Russell, and that they have good options on the front. Green's addition, as per him, will also give them three to four overs in every match. 

"I think one must make an edit of Cameron Green in purple and publish it already. KKR need Cameron Green. They will control the auction now because they have a lot of money. The bowling will not get impacted by Johnson, Nortje, or Russell going away. You have four overs each from Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy, and Sunil Narine. Green would also give you three or four overs. They could also buy more overseas bowlers. Maybe Green could come in as an upgraded version of Russell," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

The Australian cricketer will be one of the most sought-after players in the upcoming auctions. Overseas all-rounders are always in high demand and usually get a high price, especially during the mini auctions, and he is one of the only few players that fit this description available in the market. 

KKR to enter the auctions with a massive purse

Having let go of some of their more expensive players, KKR will head into the auctions with a massive purse of ₹64.3 crores. They will be the most active side come the 16th of December, as they have 16 vacant spots, including 6 overseas players. 

KKR released players 

Andre Russell, Anrich Nortje, Chetan Sakariya, Luvnith Sisodia, Moeen Ali, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Spencer Johnson, Venkatesh Iyer, Mayank Markande (traded to Mumbai Indians)