New Delhi, April 10 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) legendary all-rounder Andre Russell has admitted that his first match-day experience as the team’s power coach in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 felt a little different, as he didn’t know what to do while sitting on the bench.
“In my first game on match day, I didn’t know what to do. I was just there, ensuring that I was now a coach… it was just a different experience. There have been times when I’ve seen the game unfolding in a way where I would be the key player, and I just had to make sure I was ready,” Russell said in a candid video conversation with KKR assistant coach Shane Watson.
Discussing the specifics of his coaching role, Russell explained that he focuses on positional awareness rather than technical changes. “No team has ever had a power coach. My job is to show how important boundaries are in T20s, especially sixes. My role is essentially to get the players into the right position for whatever delivery the bowler is trying to deceive them with.”
“The job is not to change a player or coach him on how to swing his bat or make contact, but actually to be clear and add more power-hitting skills to his game. So far, it’s been going very well,” he said.
Despite the shift in responsibility, Russell emphasized his deep emotional connection with the franchise he has represented for over a decade. “KKR is like my home. That was one of the most emotional moments of my cricket career, to be honest. You win World Cups and IPL trophies, but that was special… having a home away from home,” he said.
Watson, who shared several competitive moments with Russell during their playing careers, praised the former all-rounder’s impact on the sport. “There aren’t many who have come through pushing the limits of being a fast-bowling all-rounder, and I’ve always had the utmost respect for Dre because I know how hard it is. We’ve had some great battles over time… but utmost respect for Dre,” he said.