Kolkata Knight Riders’ difficult start to IPL 2026 has once again turned the spotlight onto Cameron Green, with his disappointing output continuing to fuel debate over how the Australian fits into the team’s XI. Green, who is still not cleared to bowl this season, has struggled to contribute with the bat as well. In three appearances, he has scored only 24 runs, and his most recent showing against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens proved particularly frustrating, as he made just four runs off two deliveries. With no clear timeline for when he will return to bowling, questions about his batting role—especially at such a pressure-filled spot—have grown louder. While Green has been gradually increasing his workload during net sessions, many feel his current usage as a specialist batter does not make sense, particularly when placed in the No. 3 position.
Pietersen challenges Green’s No. 3 role
During the rain break in KKR’s match against Punjab Kings, former England captain Kevin Pietersen questioned the wisdom of keeping Green in a pivotal batting slot. Pietersen argued that selection should ultimately be based on cricketing standards rather than financial considerations, stressing that batting at No. 3 demands a specific level of readiness and performance.
“I’m not going to talk about the money because that’s not something you control—money just comes as it comes. These players do not make as much as some sportsmen elsewhere. But people still like discussing what I always discuss, which is cricketing ability. And whether you’re good enough to occupy a position of responsibility and bat at three in an IPL side, you must be able to handle that level,” Pietersen said.
Pietersen then went further, claiming Green has not shown enough to justify the role at No. 3, especially while he is unable to bowl. “And I don’t think that he’s good enough to bat at number 3. He’s not bowling, so you look at what he has done. Yes, I’ve seen that he once made a hundred in Mumbai a couple of years back, but I haven’t seen enough of Cam Green to justify him batting at 3 here and taking on that responsibility. He’s a middle-order batter who bowls a little—that’s his job,” he added.
Bangar raises concerns over overseas composition
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar echoed similar concerns, pointing to a wider problem that can emerge when building a squad—particularly regarding overseas selection. Bangar suggested that franchise teams need clarity on specialists, noting that only four overseas places are available and that those slots should ideally go to players whose T20 skill sets are proven.
“You have to think of specialists. If you consider Rachindra Ravindra and Cameron Green, they are not necessarily established T20 options. And when you are selecting overseas players, they should be specialists because there are only four spots. So if you look at what the ideal profile is, and if Cameron Green is not bowling, then he doesn’t match that overseas batter category in the way you would normally define it,” Bangar said.
Bangar also argued that teams should lean toward players who can deliver a clear, repeatable role rather than hoping a player will soon find the right rhythm. “So, you might as well consider Rovman Powell, who is a proven T20 specialist—he bats and handles a very specific job. I like Powell because he is a specialist, performs a defined role, and is a proven commodity, rather than waiting for someone to come good,” he added.
KKR’s rain-affected escape and the selection dilemma
Kolkata Knight Riders were able to come away with a point from their rain-hit encounter against Punjab Kings, though it was hardly a comfortable one. When play was interrupted, KKR were struggling at 25/2 in 3.4 overs after choosing to bat first. Green’s early dismissal contributed to the pressure mounting at the top of the innings, underlining the fragility of their start.
As the tournament moves on, KKR face a key decision about whether to continue backing Green in the hope that form and fitness will quickly return, or to adjust their combination in a campaign that is already beginning to slip away. The debate will only intensify if Green’s bowling delay continues, particularly given the responsibility attached to his current batting position.
