Two-time world champion Andre Russell hangs up boots from international cricket | VIDEO – Mathrubhumi English

In his final innings at his home ground, Sabina Park, he blasted a thrilling 36 off 15 balls, despite his team's eight-wicket loss
Kingston: West Indies power hitter and two-time T20 World Cup champion Andre Russell bid an emotional farewell to international cricket on Wednesday (IST), July 23, 2025, during the second T20 International against Australia at Sabina Park in his hometown. Although the West Indies suffered an eight-wicket defeat, Russell's final performance and send-off stole the spotlight.
Confirming that the first two T20Is of the five-game series would be his last, the 37-year-old Jamaican all-rounder walked out to bat at a crucial juncture for the hosts, with the score at 98/5. In a trademark explosive display, Russell smashed a vital 36 runs off just 15 deliveries, featuring four towering sixes and two boundaries, at an astonishing strike rate of 240.00. This included an assault in the 15th over where he hit Ben Dwarshuis for three sixes, briefly igniting the home crowd. His cameo helped the West Indies post a competitive total of 172/8.
Before his final innings, Russell was given a heartfelt guard of honour by both his West Indies teammates and the Australian players as he walked onto the field, receiving roaring applause from the home crowd.
Following the match, Russell expressed his gratitude to the fans and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). "I just want to say thanks, thanks to the people in the Sabina Park and to the WICB for the opportunity," he stated. "Just happy to play in front of the home crowd. The result didn't go our way, but I'm just happy to have played so many matches and wish the team the best going forward. Thanks for all the support, I really appreciate it the most."
Reflecting on his career, Russell fondly recalled the West Indies' triumphs in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2012 and 2016, moments where "the flags [were] going high." He acknowledged that it was "time to move ahead" for him, expressing confidence in the current crop of young talent like Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Alzarri Joseph, and Jason Holder. "Amazing to finish my career at Sabina Park. The result didn't go our way, but that's the game of cricket," he concluded, urging continued support for the team.
Andre Russell concludes his international career having played a total of 143 international caps, including 86 T20Is, 56 ODIs, and one Test match. In his T20I career, the format where he achieved significant stardom, he amassed 1086 runs at a staggering strike rate of 162.09 and claimed 61 wickets. His explosive batting, powerful bowling, and athletic fielding made him one of the most destructive all-rounders in T20 cricket history.
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