Andre Russell returned to top form with a thrilling performance in Kolkata Knight Riders’ narrow one-run win over Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens on May 4. After the match, he met former India captain Sourav Ganguly that could influence his future in franchise cricket.

As reported by Anandabazar Patrika, Ganguly offered the 37-year-old a spot in the Pretoria Capitals squad for the 2026 SA20 season. This team belongs to the same ownership group that manages the Delhi Capitals franchise in the IPL, which is jointly owned by GMR and JSW.

This ownership group operates multiple T20 teams across the world. GMR is in charge of managing the Delhi Capitals men’s team in the IPL and the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20, while JSW oversees the women’s team in the WPL and runs operations for the Pretoria Capitals in South Africa. This division will continue until 2027, when the two companies will swap their responsibilities.

Ganguly, who guided Delhi Capitals as a mentor during the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons, currently holds the role of Director of Cricket at JSW Sports. Reports suggest Russell reacted positively to the offer, and Ganguly is hopeful the deal will go through.

Russell is an important part of the Knight Riders’ global franchise setup. He plays for KKR in the IPL and also represents the Knight Riders in other leagues such as the ILT20 (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), CPL (Trinbago Knight Riders), and MLC (Los Angeles Knight Riders). Since the Knight Riders franchise owned by Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan—doesn’t operate a team in the SA20 league, Russell is free to consider offers from other teams.

One major factor that could support his move is the change in the SA20 schedule. Since it began in 2023, the tournament has clashed with the ILT20. Cricket South Africa has confirmed that the 2026 SA20 season will begin earlier, on 26 December 2025, which may help avoid a scheduling clash and could allow Russell to take part in both tournaments.

Russell began his IPL journey with Delhi Capitals, and represented them during the 2012 and 2013 seasons before rising to fame with Kolkata Knight Riders.

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