Kolkata, April 7: The Kolkata Knight Riders’ ongoing challenges in IPL 2026 have put Australian all-rounder Cameron Green under the microscope. His disappointing performance has led to increased scrutiny regarding his position in the team.
In three matches, Green has scored only 24 runs, with his latest performance against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens yielding just four runs from two balls. With uncertainty surrounding his bowling return, questions about his place in the lineup are growing.
Despite gradually increasing his workload in practice, many experts argue that Green’s role as a specialist batter is not warranted, especially in the crucial No. 3 batting position.
During a rain delay in KKR’s match against Punjab Kings, former England captain Kevin Pietersen openly criticized the decision to keep Green in such a pivotal role.
“I’m against discussing money because it’s not the main issue. What matters is cricketing ability. To bat at No. 3 in an IPL team, you must perform at that level,” Pietersen stated. “I don’t believe he’s good enough for that position. He’s not bowling, and his past performances don’t justify his role. He’s primarily a middle-order batter.”
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar echoed these concerns, highlighting the importance of specialists in overseas slots.
“You need to consider specialists. Players like Rachindra Ravindra and Cameron Green are not proven T20 players. When selecting overseas players, they must be specialists due to limited slots. If Green isn’t bowling, he doesn’t fit the profile of an overseas batsman,” Bangar explained.
He suggested considering Rovman Powell, a proven T20 specialist, for the role. “Powell is a specialist who fulfills a specific role, making him a more reliable choice than hoping for someone to excel.”
In their rain-affected match against Punjab Kings, KKR managed to secure a point, but they were struggling at 25/2 in 3.4 overs when play was halted, with Green’s early dismissal compounding their difficulties.
Leave a Comment