Andre Russell Picks 2016 T20 World Cup Semi-Final vs India as Career Highlight Ahead of International Retirement

West Indies allrounder Andre Russell has named his match-winning knock against India in the 2016 T20 World Cup semi-final as the standout moment of his international cricket career. Speaking ahead of his upcoming retirement from international cricket, Russell reflected fondly on the iconic innings in Mumbai, calling it his "best moment" in West Indies colours.

Russell, who will bring the curtain down on his international journey after the first two T20Is against Australia on July 20 and 22 at Sabina Park, was instrumental in guiding West Indies into the final of the 2016 tournament. Chasing 193 against host nation India, Russell walked in at a crucial juncture with 77 runs required from 41 deliveries. He responded with a blistering unbeaten 43 off just 20 balls, finishing the chase in style by launching Virat Kohli over midwicket for the winning runs with two balls to spare.

“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). “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. The confidence we had in the dressing room and the batters left to come gave me the freedom and confidence to play my role.”

West Indies went on to defeat England in a thrilling final in Kolkata, lifting the T20 World Cup for the second time in four years. Russell was a key contributor to both title-winning campaigns.

“Obviously, two World Cups — it’s just a different emotion,” Russell said. “You sleep, you wake up [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, see all those memories and the good comments.”

Russell will conclude his international career on home soil at Sabina Park in Kingston, a ground he called the “perfect” venue for his farewell.

“It’s a pretty good feeling,” Russell said. “From the first time I came to Sabina Park as a kid, to walking on the grass and feeling the atmosphere, and now, having achieved so much over the years… I did my best every chance I got representing West Indies. I think it’s the perfect ground and the perfect series — against a good team as well, Australia — to end my international career.”

Reflecting on his decision, the 36-year-old admitted he was emotional but content. “By just seeing the social-media posts and stuff going around on the internet, I get a bit emotional to be honest. But the decision is already made, and I think I’ve done well enough to say, yes, that’s it for me with international cricket.”

Russell played 141 matches for West Indies across formats and will go down as one of the most impactful allrounders in T20 cricket history.