The uncertainty around Cameron Green’s role is still hanging over Kolkata Knight Riders as they prepare to face Lucknow Super Giants in their next IPL 2026 encounter at Eden Gardens on Thursday. The Australian all-rounder arrived with a hefty price tag of ₹25.20 crore at the auction, yet he has not delivered a single ball in the ongoing season, turning what was meant to be a multi-skill investment into a lingering selection puzzle for KKR.
Green is currently sidelined from bowling while recovering from a lower-back injury. Cricket Australia’s guidance has been central to KKR’s approach, with the team keeping him away from his bowling duties during this phase. In a statement, Cricket Australia said, “Cameron has a lower-back injury, which is being managed, but requires him to abstain from bowling for a short period.” KKR now hope to see him return as his workload is built up again, with Green reportedly aiming to resume bowling in roughly 10-12 days while he gradually gets his overs back under control in India.
Even with his expected return in the season coming into view, the bigger debate has shifted to his batting spot. Green has been used in the top order for KKR, but his performances have not matched the expectations that came with his auction value. In the washed-out match against Punjab Kings, Green was promoted to No. 3 and made just four runs off two balls before getting out, offering little indication that he was ready to consistently anchor that position.
Kevin Pietersen questions KKR’s No. 3 call
The decision to place Green at No. 3 has drawn sharp criticism, most notably from former England batter Kevin Pietersen. Speaking on JioHotstar, Pietersen argued that KKR’s problem is specifically Green’s role in that middle-order slot. “I think the real problem for KKR is Cameron Green at number three. I don’t think he has got it in him. He has not done enough in world cricket to be a number three,” he said. Pietersen added that in the current tournament landscape, other teams’ No. 3 batters are typically established top-order or middle-order players, and that Green’s inability to bowl is also weighing on the team’s balance. “Along with that, the burden of not bowling is hampering the team,” he added.
On the numbers, Green has managed only 24 runs across three matches, with scores of 18, 2 and 4, at an average of eight. With returns not arriving and his bowling still on hold, pressure has mounted on KKR’s management to decide whether to persist with the same batting structure or adjust his position as they juggle their match plans.
With the next game against LSG approaching, Green’s bowling availability is expected to become clearer. Green is reportedly set to start bowling against Lucknow Super Giants in the upcoming fixture, as per ESPNcricinfo. Until then, his absence from bowling continues to influence KKR’s tactics, particularly as their bowling resources have taken hits from injuries and selection changes. Mustafizur Rahman was removed from the squad on the instructions of the BCCI. In addition, Harshit Rana and Akash Deep have been ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury concerns.
KKR’s bowling depth has also been affected in other ways during the current stretch. Sunil Narine missed the match versus Punjab Kings due to illness, while Varun Chakaravarthy was left out of the playing XI with a hand injury. In a season where roles have been repeatedly altered, Green’s non-bowling status has forced KKR to rethink how they distribute responsibilities across batting and bowling phases.
After Green’s dismissal in the match against SRH, former player Aaron Finch stepped in to offer support and clarification. Finch, speaking on ESPNcricinfo, pointed out that not every dismissal should be read as a technical failure. “One of those dismissals has been a run out [against SRH], not a part of his fault. Still, he’s missed out twice. There’s a bit of panic, he’s not looking the same as the past,” Finch said. He also highlighted how Green’s mindset appeared to have shifted compared to when he played at the top of the order for MI. “Remember when he was at the top of the order for MI – how he had a totally different intent. He was imposing at the crease. Now he looks tentative. Don’t push him down. Push him either up the order, or give him a rest,” Finch added.
