Cameron Green’s IPL 2026 campaign with Kolkata Knight Riders has been a case of “so far, so difficult” — with his batting not matching the expectations of a leading all-rounder role. The 26-year-old Australian, who is still not cleared to bowl, has struggled to make an impact with the bat, contributing only 24 runs across three matches for the three-time champions. His latest outing came on Monday at Eden Gardens against Punjab Kings, where he played just two deliveries before walking back after scoring four runs.
Green’s IPL 2026 batting troubles and uncertain bowling return
For KKR, the biggest talking point around Green remains the lack of clarity on when he will be able to bowl this season. While the right-handed batter has been working on his workload in the nets, his current inability to bowl has placed extra pressure on his batting. With only a small sample so far — 24 runs in three games — his early returns have drawn scrutiny from multiple quarters.
- Green is still not cleared to bowl in IPL 2026.
- He has scored 24 runs in three matches for KKR.
- Against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens on Monday, he faced two balls and scored four before getting out.
- His bowling timeline for the season remains unclear, adding focus to his batting performances.
Criticism during the KKR–Punjab Kings rain break
During the rain interruption in the match between KKR and Punjab Kings, Kevin Pietersen and Sanjay Bangar questioned the logic of Green’s position in the batting order. Both suggested that until he is contributing as an all-rounder, he should not be placed in a high-responsibility slot for the franchise.
Pietersen: Green shouldn’t bat at No. 3 if he isn’t bowling
Pietersen argued that Green’s role in the playing XI needs to be aligned with what he can deliver on the field right now. He pointed out that selection at No. 3 in an IPL setup requires a level of readiness and performance that Green, in his current condition, has not yet shown in T20 cricket.
- Pietersen said he is against focusing on money, stressing that the key issue is cricketing ability.
- He argued that batting at No. 3 in an IPL side requires the player to be capable of performing at that standard.
- He stated he does not believe Green is good enough to bat at No. 3 for KKR at this stage.
- Pietersen noted that Green is not bowling currently, and therefore the team must judge what he has produced.
- He acknowledged Green has scored a hundred in Mumbai a couple of years ago, but said he has not seen enough from him to justify No. 3 responsibility.
- Pietersen described Green as a middle-order type who bowls a bit, implying the batting slot should reflect his all-round contribution.
Bangar: KKR’s auction call and the need for proven T20 specialists
Bangar went further, saying Green is not a proven T20 performer and highlighting what he sees as an error in KKR’s auction strategy. He referenced the decision to spend INR 25.20 crore on Green in the mini-auction and urged KKR to prioritise other overseas options.
- Bangar said Green is not a proven T20 performer.
- He claimed KKR erred in its auction strategy by spending INR 25.20 crore on Green in the mini-auction.
- He urged KKR to persist with Rovman Powell rather than placing Green and Rachin Ravindra ahead of him.
- Bangar argued that overseas players should be specialists because only four overseas spots are available.
- He said if Green is not bowling, he does not fit the overseas “all-rounder” category as a specialist batter.
- He compared the approach by saying Powell is a proven T20 specialist who bats and performs a specialised role.
- Bangar added that it is better to back a proven commodity than to hope someone “comes good.”
Rain washes out the contest, KKR take one point despite trouble
On the field, the match against Punjab Kings ended with KKR earning a single point after the game was abandoned due to rain. KKR were extremely fortunate to leave with anything from the contest because they were in a precarious position after choosing to bat — reduced to 25/2 in 3.4 overs. Then the weather intervened, forcing players off the ground and leading to the abandonment.
- KKR earned one point after the match was abandoned.
- The game was abandoned because rain forced play to stop.
- KKR were 25/2 in 3.4 overs after opting to bat when the rain came.
