Andre Russell’s career is the epitome of a global cricketing journey, one that includes two T20 World Cup titles and an IPL championship. He’s among only six players in history to have won over 10 major T20 tournaments (featuring at least five teams), and notably, three other names on that elite list are fellow West Indians: Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, and Sunil Narine. Against this backdrop, Russell recently responded to Virat Kohli’s remark that IPL is “five levels below” Test cricket.
Russell stated,
“I think when you're from India, Australia, or England—where Test cricketers are looked after well—it's a completely different situation. Those guys get big central contracts, play on the biggest stages, and naturally want to play Test cricket. But West Indians? You might play 50 or even 100 Tests, and after retirement, there's often not much to show for it.”
His words reflect the broader crisis facing West Indies cricket — where top talents often abandon red-ball ambitions in search of financial security and opportunity through franchise cricket. While it’s not all about money, financial reality is difficult to ignore.
He added,
“Of course, you want to live a comfortable life and take care of your family.”
Russell’s own experiences underscore how long-standing mismanagement, unstable team selection, and internal politics in West Indies cricket have forced many players to take a different path. Despite making his Test debut in 2010 against Sri Lanka, he has played only one match in the format. According to him, the decision wasn’t voluntary.
“I never officially retired from Test cricket. I was simply dropped from the team. They saw me as a white-ball player — and that was the end of it.”
So, did Russell ever want a long career in Test cricket instead of his six-hitting, franchise-fueled stardom?
“To be honest? No. I respect Test cricket, but I’m a professional. That wasn’t part of my journey. I have no regrets, because it wasn’t a choice I made willingly.”
Despite being a white-ball icon, Russell still appreciates the finesse of red-ball cricket. He holds deep admiration for England’s Ben Stokes and sees Barbados-born Jacob Bethell as a rising star, calling him “a pleasure to watch.” He also fondly remembers his former coach at Kolkata Knight Riders, Brendon McCullum.
“He lets you play your own game, trusts you, and gives you freedom. That’s what I believe makes a great coach.”
On retirement, Russell says he plans to play for at least three more years.
“Age is just a number.”
Still a destructive finisher and fan-favorite, Russell has one personal goal left — a white-ball century for the West Indies. Despite having played over 140 matches, that milestone remains unachieved.
“I’m not obsessed with stats… but if I get that hundred, it’ll be the cherry on top.”
