Andre Russell shares best moment of his career ahead of international retirement

West Indies cricket star Andre Russell has revealed that his most memorable moment came during the 2016 T20 World Cup semi-final against India. The 36-year-old all-rounder, who will retire from international cricket after the first two T20Is against Australia, reflected on the match that defined his career.

In that high-pressure semi-final, played at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, India had posted a challenging total of 192 runs. West Indies, chasing 193, were in a tough spot when Russell walked in at number 5. With 77 runs needed from just 41 balls, Russell played a blistering knock of 43 runs from only 20 deliveries. His innings included powerful boundaries and a stunning match-winning six over midwicket off Virat Kohli’s bowling. His aggressive batting ensured West Indies won with two balls remaining, sending the team into the finals.

“Definitely, my best moment was the 2016 World Cup, that semi-final game against India where I brought the team home, me and Lendl Simmons, and obviously the start that we got from the other batters,” Russell said in an interview with Cricket West Indies (CWI). He added that the atmosphere in Mumbai was intense, with almost the entire crowd cheering for India. “Chasing 190-plus in that semi-final in India, with the crowd supporting India only, that was already a bit of pressure, but the wicket was a very good wicket, so the confidence that we had in the changing room and the batters that were left to come, it gave me the freedom and the confidence to go out and play the role that I did,” he explained.

The win proved crucial, as West Indies went on to beat England in the final to lift their second T20 World Cup title in four years. Russell’s knock remains one of the defining performances in the history of T20 World Cups.

Two-time World Cup winner shares emotions

Russell has played 141 matches for the West Indies, making a name for himself as one of the most destructive all-rounders in T20 cricket. Reflecting on his career, he said that winning two T20 World Cups for the West Indies was an emotional experience unlike anything else.

“Obviously, two World Cups, it's just a different emotion,” Russell said. “You sleep, you wake up [on the morning after the final], and you realise you've only been sleeping for two hours, but you feel well-rested because you just want to see what's going on on the internet, you want to see all of those memories and all of those good comments.”

Russell has been a key player in several high-stakes matches and has also showcased his skills in various T20 leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League (IPL). His explosive batting and ability to deliver under pressure have earned him a reputation as a match-winner. However, it is his contribution to the West Indies’ T20 World Cup triumphs that he cherishes the most.

ALSO READ: Yash Dayal gets big relief as Allahabad HC stays cricketer's arrest in alleged sexual exploitation case

ALSO READ: Bengaluru stampede: Judicial panel blames RCB, KSCA and police for ‘gross negligence’

Looking ahead to his final series, Russell will play the first two T20Is against Australia at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, on July 20 and 22. Playing his last international games on home soil makes the moment even more special for him. Fans are expected to turn out in large numbers to celebrate his remarkable career and bid farewell to one of the most dynamic cricketers of the modern era.

As Russell prepares to step away from international cricket, he remains proud of his achievements and grateful for the support he has received throughout his journey. His powerful batting style, athletic fielding, and occasional but effective bowling have left a lasting impact on the sport. Russell’s farewell series against Australia will mark the end of a significant chapter in West Indies cricket, but his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of players.

By choosing to highlight the 2016 semi-final against India as his career’s best moment, Russell reminds fans of his fearless approach to cricket. His ability to handle pressure, back his strengths, and deliver when it mattered most has defined his legacy. Even as he moves away from the international stage, his name will remain synonymous with explosive T20 performances and unforgettable match-winning knocks.