“Looks like KKR is starting from scratch” - Former Indian cricketers open up on KKR having 64.3 crore purse remaining

Former Indian spinner and analyst Anil Kumble has opened up on the biggest surprise release of the IPL 2026 season, Kolkata Knight Riders releasing their star all-rounder Andre Russell ahead of the mini auction.

Speaking exclusively on JioHotstar, Kumble asserted that Russell has been KKR’s go-to player over the years, adding that there might have been multiple discussions and conversations around his release.

"It is a big call for KKR to release Andre Russell because he has been their go-to player over the years. We know what he can do at the crease, not just with the bat but also with the ball. He is very destructive, and we have seen him change games from nowhere for KKR,” Anil Kumble said on JioHotstar.

It is a big release for KKR. I am sure there were many discussions and conversations before making this decision. But I think when you look at the longer term and what is best for the team, they probably had to let go of Andre Russell," he added.

Furthermore, the former Indian opener and commentator Aakash Chopra has made it clear that KKR is starting from scratch as they have a total purse remaining of 64.3 crore ahead of the mini-auction.

“Looks like KKR is starting from scratch. And because KKR is going to enter the mini-auction with a purse size of 65 crores, they are going to pretty much dictate the auction proceedings, at least in the first 2–3 vital slots. So, someone like Cameron Green, you almost think that he is most likely to go to KKR, because of that purse size. They are going to be on a shopping spree when it comes to overseas players in the mini-auction," Aakash Chopra said on JioHotstar.

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