Cameron Green, the most expensive overseas signing in IPL auction history, has struggled to make an impact for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the early stages of IPL 2026.
After three innings, the 26-year-old allrounder is yet to find rhythm. Former Australia captain Aaron Finch expressed concern over Green’s current form.
“One of those dismissals has been a run out, not a part of his fault,” Finch said. “Still, he’s missed out twice. There’s a bit of panic, he’s not looking the same as the past. Remember when he was at the top of the order for MI – how he had totally different intent.”
KKR’s latest outing against Punjab Kings was abandoned after 3.4 overs due to rain, but it still provided another brief opportunity for Green, who was dismissed for a second-ball duck, caught behind off Xavier Bartlett.
His earlier outings have also been underwhelming. He scored 18 off 10 against his former side Mumbai Indians, before being run out for 2 off 2 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite being acquired for INR 25.20 crore (USD 2.8 million/AUD 4.2 million approx.), his performances so far have lacked fluency.
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Finch Points to Change in Intent
Finch compared Green’s current approach with his performances in 2023, when he batted at No. 3 for Mumbai Indians and scored 452 runs in 16 innings at a strike rate of 160.28 and an average of 50.22.
“He was imposing at the crease,” Finch said, “Now he looks tentative. Don’t push him down. Push him either up the order, or give him a rest.”
Green’s batting positions this season have varied, coming in during the sixth over at No. 3, the fifth over at No. 4, and as early as the second over at No. 3.
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Toss Decision Under Scrutiny
Finch also questioned KKR’s decision to bat first against Punjab Kings, suggesting the call exposed their batters to difficult conditions at Eden Gardens.
“Winning the toss and electing to bat after the wicket’s been under the covers for a day – you know there’s been rain in the air – it makes absolutely no sense,” Finch said, “That’s an alarm bell for me. It’s not that they’re two down for 25. It’s the fact that ‘we shouldn’t be batting’. You’re making the wrong decision even when you’ve got all the information.
“There’s cloud cover around. You’re expecting rain. They had three hours of rain. Obviously, somebody has told them at some point – ‘it might rain later’ – you might need to chase later. DLS [calculations in truncated games] works better for the team batting second a little better. You’ve got all that information, so I don’t understand how you get to the decision you’ll bat first.”
KKR will now turn their attention to their next fixture against Lucknow Super Giants on April 9, remaining in Kolkata following the rain-affected contest.
