Gavaskar Questions KKR’s Rs 25.2cr Cameron Green Role After Bowling Delay

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has voiced serious worries over Kolkata Knight Riders’ use of all-rounder Cameron Green in the ongoing IPL. Green, signed by KKR for a reported price of Rs 25.2 crore, has still not been cleared by Cricket Australia’s medical group to bowl, leaving the franchise to manage his role with a significant limitation so far.

Gavaskar flags Green’s impact on KKR’s balance

1. Gavaskar said KKR will have to reassess their playing combination if Green cannot bowl, arguing that the team’s overall structure is being hit by his current inability to contribute with the ball.
2. He noted that Green has shown batting ability, including scoring a hundred in an IPL match and also producing a century in a recent red-ball game in Australia, but insisted the franchise must look closely at where things stand in the current tournament.
3. In his first two appearances, Green’s returns with the bat have been modest, with scores of 18 and 2, which has intensified scrutiny around his form and effectiveness during KKR’s early campaign.
4. Gavaskar suggested that while it is acceptable for Green to bat at No. 4, KKR need to urgently address problems in the next spots—particularly the No. 5 and No. 6 positions—where he believes performances have not been at the required level.
5. He added that if Green is not delivering with the ball, KKR may need to consider bringing in another specialist batter to shore up their batting depth and stability.

Workload managed as lower-back concern continues

Cricket Australia has indicated that Green’s workload is being carefully managed because of a lower back issue. The franchise has reportedly been made aware of the restriction ahead of the competition. Even though he has not bowled in matches so far, Green has been seen bowling during training sessions, suggesting there is a possibility of him returning to full all-round responsibilities as his recovery progresses.

With KKR having lost both of their opening matches, they now turn their attention to their next fixture against Punjab Kings on Monday.