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'It All Depends...': Andre Russell Contemplates Retirement After T20 World Cup 2024

image-lsdelk4nRussell must be hoping to be picked for the World Cup. (X.com)

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has hinted at the possibility of retirement from international cricket after the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. This decision, he emphasized, would depend on his performance during the tournament.

Russell made a return to international cricket after a two-year hiatus in the five-match T20I series against England last year. The Jamaican played a pivotal role in securing a 3-2 victory for the Caribbean side. The right-arm seamer emerged as the highest wicket-taker with seven dismissals in five matches, albeit with a concerning economy rate of 10.46 in the high-scoring series.

Russell contemplating retirement?

Despite his availability, Russell was not part of West Indies' squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia. Selector Desmond Haynes had stated that the team had "moved on" from him, but Russell earned a recall after confirming his availability, with head coach Darren Sammy playing a crucial role in the decision. Russell's performance in his comeback series against England reaffirmed his value to the team.

In a recent interview, Russell discussed his future plans, indicating a contemplation of retirement following the T20 World Cup 2024.

"It all depends on how the World Cup goes for me,"  Russell said about his retirement.

Popularly known as ‘DreRuss’, the seam-bowling all-rounder revealed that discussions with the coach have led him to consider retiring from international cricket after the World Cup.

"I still have a lot left in the tank. But, you know, based on discussions with the coach, I told him that after the World Cup I would walk away from international cricket, but if they need me, I will come out of retirement,"  Russell elaborated.

Acknowledging the emergence of young talents in West Indies cricket, Russell highlighted the importance of providing opportunities to the next generation. 

"That's the plan that I have, there are so many young talents here, all around us, similar to myself.  Sometimes you realize that you're going into 36, you know, just give the youngsters the opportunity."

The T20 globetrotter, Russell will now be seen in action in the three-match T20I series against Australia. He arrives in Australia with impressive form, having amassed 192 runs at a striking rate of 228.57 during the ongoing ILT20 2024 season with the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.