Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) finally have their biggest buy in the building. Cameron Green linked up with the KKR squad on March 21, ending days of speculation around his arrival and immediately bringing the spotlight back on one question the franchise hasn’t fully answered yet. Where does he fit?
Bought for a staggering INR 25.20 crore, Green was the headline signing at the IPL 2026 auction. No overseas player has received such a large paycheque. But as the tournament approaches, clarity around his role is still uncertain. Now that Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s century has stirred things up. Due to his slightly late arrival, he missed KKR’s first intra-squad game. Now that he is in camp, those conversations can finally begin.
Big price, bigger questions around Green’s role
Green doesn’t walk into this side quietly. Not with that price tag. And not with the form he brings into the tournament. His T20 World Cup numbers were underwhelming. Just 24 runs in three innings and limited involvement with the ball. Even in recent T20Is, he hasn’t quite found rhythm, averaging under 20 and barely making an impact as an all-rounder.
That has opened up a debate, both inside and outside the KKR setup. At the moment, the team management hasn’t locked in his role. He could open alongside Finn Allen, slot in at No. 3, or even float in the middle order depending on combinations. But none of those options come without trade-offs.
If he opens, someone like Ajinkya Rahane might have to shift. If he bats at No. 3, it affects Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s role. If he drops further down, KKR risk underutilising a player they have invested heavily in. There is also competition. Rachin Ravindra offers balance, and Rovman Powell brings finishing ability. Neither is an easy exclusion.
For now, KKR are backing Green to find his feet. A recent Sheffield Shield hundred has helped his case, but the real test will be in a format where his returns have dipped. Also, things have been interesting on Green’s part, as seen with a heated exchange with an Australian journalist.
Green not worthy of INR 25.20 crore?
While KKR entered the auction room with the biggest purse and shelled out more than INR 25 crore on the most attractive player in Green. While no player is worth this much but the auction dynamics played a huge part as KKR also wanted to fill Andre Russell’s shoes as well.
Former Australia captain Greg Chappell has raised concerns over Green’s batting direction. Speaking to SEN, he pointed out technical issues and questioned whether the all-rounder is progressing the way many expected.
“I’m worried about the direction he’s headed, especially with his batting,” Chappell said. “He has the talent, but whether he has the decision-making and mental skills is difficult to say.”
Closer home, S Badrinath didn’t hold back either. The former India batter questioned both Green’s form and the price KKR paid for him.
“You signed him for 25 crore rupees, even though he’s woefully out of form. He struggled for Australia even in the T20 World Cup. Cameron Green received such a large sum solely because of the hype. Has he ever done anything on his own in the IPL? Australian players are always hyped, and this move by KKR could prove to be a big mistake,” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
