They’d provided Russell for a commerce

Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Aakash Chopra made an enormous revelation relating to Andre Russell after the all-rounder was launched forward of the IPL 2026 public sale. KKR let go of Russell after retaining him for ₹12 crore final yr.

Aakash Chopra revealed that the group had provided to commerce Russell to a different franchise. Nonetheless, the deal didn’t work out. They finally launched the star all-rounder. Russell joined Kolkata in 2014 and was an integral a part of their set-up for a very long time.

“Abhishek Nayar went to KKR and instructed he’ll change every thing there. Nonetheless, he has maintained fairly a couple of issues nonetheless, together with captain Ajinkya Rahane. However they left Russell after 12 years. TKR additionally received the CPL however they nonetheless let Russell go which implies they’ve made up their thoughts. They’d additionally provided Russell for a commerce, I do know the group, however I cannot inform which group, however it was denied and he was all the time within the launch class,” he stated on his YouTube channel.

Russell was not at his highest final yr. He scored 167 runs from 10 innings and picked up simply eight wickets.

Speaking in regards to the Gujarat Titans (GT), the previous KKR batter reckoned that all-rounder Washington Sundar would have a much bigger position with Sherfane Rutherford being traded to the Mumbai Indians (MI).

“As GT left Rutherford, there could possibly be a much bigger position for Washington Sundar. We might see him enjoying at quantity 4. He could possibly be that man. There aren’t many adjustments other than that as they’re a group who don’t make many adjustments.”

Final yr, Sundar featured in six matches for GT and impressed with the bat. He scored 133 runs from 5 innings at a strike-rate of 166.25.

Former KKR batters’ tackle LSG and DC

In the identical video, Aakash Chopra additionally mirrored on Lucknow Tremendous Giants (LSG) releasing spinner Ravi Bishnoi and retaining pacer Mayank Yadav. Mayank performed simply two matches final yr and was dominated out as a consequence of harm. He’s but to regain full health.

The previous KKR batter reckoned that LSG bowling coach Bharat Arun would have influenced the choice to retain the pacer.

“LSG would have had an enormous dilemma as Ravi Bishnoi and Mayank have been there in the identical value. They have been searching for an improve and I really feel Bharat Arun would have performed an enormous position in Mayank being retained and Ravi being launched. However I nonetheless really feel they should search for a spinner. They may want an abroad pacer as properly. It’s a made-in-India bowling assault however there have been releases too,” he stated.

Additional, Delhi Capitals (DC) traded in Nitish Rana from the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Chopra mirrored that it was a strong transfer by DC to strengthen their batting core. In the meantime, he additionally hinted at potential points throughout the RR camp, as Sanju Samson was additionally traded to the Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK).

“DC made a sensible transfer by taking Nitish Rana. I really feel what are RR doing by leaving Sanju and Rana, however anyone instructed me all isn’t properly in that nest. I feel they do want a high order batter however Nitish Rana is an excellent acquisition. They’ve a great middle-order core now.”

Within the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025, Nitish Rana captained the West Delhi Lions to victory. He impressed with the bat, scoring 393 runs in 11 matches at a mean of 65.60 and a strike-rate of 181.94. Rana struck a match-winning 79 within the closing.