From Jansen to Green: 3 Stars Ready to Be the Next Russell in IPL

With Andre Russell officially declaring his retirement from the IPL after a glorious 12-year stint with Kolkata Knight Riders, Russell's legacy, two IPL titles, and numerous unforgettable performances have been left behind. In a shock move, KKR did not let their season MVP go very far. Instead, they have welcomed him back in the capacity of Power Coach for IPL 2026, and the start of a new story for Russell and the franchise lies ahead.

The announcement of Russell leaving startled cricket fans all across. Many were inevitably speculating if the mighty West Indian hitter would join the Chennai Super Kings especially after being released by KKR. The man has shunned all such rumors by choosing mentorship over another season out in the middle.

With Russell most likely the greatest all-rounder to have set himself up in the annals of the IPL winding up darting, the huge issue remains:

Who would step into Andre Russell's huge shoes in the IPL?

The hybrid players on our list who can wear a Russell-like robe in any season are:

1. Marco Jansen: The Young Gun About to Take Flight

Marco Jansen of Punjab Kings has a primary trade as a bowler (in every likelihood), but his batting skills have been catching up rapidly. His recent achievements against South Africa and India are shocking—no longer a tailender, but someone who will hit through effortlessly at any boundary.

The tremendous talent of the 25-year-old Jansen has been exposed through his 19 T20Is and 35 IPL matches.

IPL 2026 would be a major breakout year for this full-fledged seam bowling all-rounder. With a height, pace, and hopefully growing batting ability, Jansen would develop into a very complete and dangerous player.

2. Romario Shepherd – The Caribbean Thumper

Romario Shepherd has been one of the most underrated players in T20 cricket and all the fans of IPL dramatically feel what he is capable of. His iconic 53 off 14 against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 is still renowned as one of the greatest finishing knocks ever made in the tournament.

Given that 31 years old Shepherd is fit, consistent, and always open to play cricket, something that teams would highly value indeed.

Below are his career stats in T20 cricket:

• 2376 runs at a strike rate of 156.93
• 201 wickets from 213 matches

Impressively good at smashing sixes and overtime keepers

Shepherd will be a go-to at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025 if they are defending their title successfully.

3. Cameron Green - The Auction Favourite for IPL Auction 2025

All are glued to the dynamics around Cameron Green returning to the IPL in 2026 after a gap of two years. The 26-year-old Australian superstar is one of the most versatile all-rounders in the white-ball game-someone who can open the batting, play in the middle overs, or finish innings-since his speed almost touches 140 kph.

The KKR, thereby having the highest purse heading into the mini-auction on December 16, will also likely be major players in signing him. Green can almost naturally inherit the tradition of world-class seam-bowling all-rounders in KKR-after Jacques Kallis and the Russell himself.

Some of his IPL statistics are breathtaking:

• 707 runs made at 41.59 average and a strike rate of 153.70;
• 16 wickets at an economy of 9.08

Everyone thinks he might be the highest-paid player in the forthcoming IPL 2026 auction.

In Summation

Andre Russell sure left behind some stories to tell-big stories bout raw power, aggression, and, indeed, moments when the game was turned around. Finding someone to replace a Russell is a real monument in itself. The future all-rounders like, Jansen, Shepherd, and Green are ready to keep the show going.

The buzz is that IPL 2026 would be one of the most experiential seasons until this date-and, who is to fill in for Russell is eagerly awaited.