Cameron Green at No. 3: Why KKR's Rs 25 Crore Bet is Looking Like a Costly Mistake

Kolkata Knight Riders shared points with Punjab Kings after their Indian Premier League 2026 clash at Eden Gardens was abandoned due to rain on Monday, but the spotlight remained firmly on Cameron Green, whose poor form continued to draw sharp criticism. The high-profile signing once again failed to deliver, raising concerns about his role and value in the squad.

KKR found themselves in early trouble after losing two key overseas batters cheaply, with Finn Allen dismissed for 6 and Green managing just 4 runs. The early wickets put the team under pressure before rain intervened and forced the match to be called off. While both teams took a point each, KKR’s performance, particularly from their expensive recruits, became a major talking point.

Green, who was bought for a staggering ₹25.20 crore, has struggled to justify his price tag so far this season. His repeated failures have drawn criticism from former cricketers and analysts, who have questioned both his batting position and overall contribution to the team. The scrutiny has intensified given the expectations that come with being one of the most expensive signings in IPL history.

Also Read: KKR's Cameron Green Refuses to Discuss Poor Form, Walks Out of Interview

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen criticised Green’s role at No. 3, stating that the Australian all-rounder may not be suited for such a crucial batting position. Pietersen emphasised that players occupying top-order roles in the IPL must consistently perform at a high level, adding that he had not seen enough from Green to justify that responsibility despite his past achievements.

Echoing similar sentiments, former India batter Sanjay Bangar said Green does not fit the profile of a specialist top-order T20 batter. He pointed out that overseas slots in IPL teams are limited and should ideally be filled by players with clearly defined roles. Bangar suggested that players like Rovman Powell, who are proven T20 specialists, may offer more value in such scenarios.

Bangar also noted that Green’s effectiveness diminishes if he is not contributing with the ball, as his primary strength lies in being an all-rounder. He argued that relying on players who are yet to establish themselves in the T20 format could prove costly for teams aiming for consistency. As the tournament progresses, KKR may face increasing pressure to reassess their team combination and extract better performances from their marquee signing.

Also Read: KKR's Cameron Green Refuses to Discuss Poor Form, Walks Out of Interview