KKR’s campaign will be burdened with their signing of Cameron Green, who has been reduced to the role of a specialist batter instead of an all-rounder, after the CA issued a directive claiming that Green would not bowl in the initial stages of the IPL.
The Kolkata Knight Riders started their campaign in IPL 2026, and Cameron Green is the biggest highlight in their camp. Cameron Green was picked for a whopping price of INR 25.20 crores at the mini-auction last year.
However, upon Cricket Australia’s request, the 26-year-old lanky Australian all-rounder has been featuring solely as a specialist batter in the opening clash against the Mumbai Indians. With the bat, he contributed a 10-ball 18 during KKR’s massive 220-run inning.
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So even if they bought him for the highest of the bucks, you still have to ask him to sit on the bench- Zaheer Khan
Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan believes that KKR could drip their biggest signing in the history of the IPL. Cameron Green might not be playing any role with the ball, and under such a situation, Zaheer revealed that he might be dropped from the XI.
“Cricket Australia has control over Cameron Green, and if they’ve decided he’s not going to bowl, then it’s up to the franchise on how to use him. Rahane made sure he let everyone know that I want him to bowl. If he doesn’t bowl, his being in the 11 will solely be on the balance of the team,” Zaheer told Cricbuzz Live.
He also opined that the Kolkata Knight Riders might drop their most costly player, and instead, Rachin Ravindra might be considered, as the NZ cricketer can contribute with both bat and ball.
“So even if they bought him for the highest of the bucks, you still have to ask him to sit on the bench. Maybe Rachin Ravindra is the option they’ll go for instead to contribute with the bat and ball,” he added.
Michael Vaughan suggests Tim Seifert as Green’s replacement
On the other hand, Michael Vaughan believes KKR could look at the New Zealand opener Tim Seifert as the replacement for Cameron Green, if the latter actually fails to contribute with the ball.
Despite having scored 220-runs in their season against the Mumbai Indians, KKR suffered a massive defeat in the final over due to a poor bowling performance in the competition. He also pointed out that Green looked in promising touch with the bat at Wankhede.
“It helps their balance if he (Green) bowls. I’ll be amazed and surprised if he bowls in this game. You could argue that Seifert could replace Cameron Green if he’s just playing as a batter. But I can’t see that change after one game. Plus Green looked good with the bat at the Wankhede,” said Vaughan (via the aforementioned source).
Vaughan cited Varun Chakravarthy as KKR’s biggest weakness
Varun Chakravarthy, the ace spinner who has been KKR’s best man on show, went on to concede 48 runs in his four overs against the Mumbai Indians. They will have to bounce back in their next game, scheduled to be played against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
“They weren’t far off against MI. They didn’t defend the 220 because the bowlers came up against a juggernaut in Rohit Sharma. Chakaravarthy is a bit of a worry. He had an iffy World Cup. He went for plenty in the first game, so he needs to find his line and length,” he added.
Varun Chakravarthy has not been having a promising run in the format since the Super-8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup. The cricketer averaged an awful 45 and gave away runs at an economy of nearly 12. He picked just 5 wickets during the 5 games up until the final of the tournament.
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