The struggle of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026 has once again strongly highlighted. Cameron Greenewhose strong comeback continues to raise questions about his character.The Australian all-rounder, yet to be cleared to bowl this season, could not make an impact with the bat either. In three matches, Green has managed just 24 runs, his latest outing against the Punjab Kings at the Eden Gardens ending in disappointment after conceding just four runs from two balls. With no clarity on when he will resume bowling, scrutiny over his place in the playing XI has intensified.
Although Green has been gradually increasing his workload in the nets, many experts believe that his current role as a specialist batsman is not justified, especially in high-pressure positions such as no. 3.The former England captain during the rain break in KKR’s match against Punjab Kings Kevin Peterson openly questioned the decision to stick with Green in such an important role.“I’m against talking about money because money is something that gets settled. These guys don’t make as much money as other players in the world. But obviously a lot of people like to talk about what I want to talk about, which is the talent of cricket,” he said.“And I don’t think he’s good enough to bat at No. 3. He’s not bowling, so you look at what he’s done. Yeah, I’ve seen him, he made 100 in Mumbai a couple of years ago. I haven’t seen Cam Green enough to bat at No. 3 here and take that responsibility. He is a middle-order batsman who bowls a bit, and that is what he does,” he added.Echoing similar concerns, former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar Pointed to a wider problem with team composition, particularly when it comes to overseas locations.“You have to think about specialists. If you think about Rachandra Ravindra and Cameron Green, they are not necessarily proven T20 players, and when you are picking foreign players, they have to be specialists because there are only four spots available. So, if you look at who the ideal player is, if Cameron Green is not bowling, he doesn’t fit into, you know, just a batsman category as far as a foreign batsman is concerned,” Banger said.“So, you might as well think. Roman Powellwho is a proven T20 specialist who bats and does a very special job. So, I like Powell for the fact that he’s an expert, does a character, and is a proven commodity rather than hoping that someone good will come along,” he added.KKR were a bit lucky to escape with a point in the rain-affected encounter against Punjab Kings. At the time play was stopped, they were struggling at 25/2 in 3.4 overs after electing to bat first, with Green’s early dismissal adding to their woes.As the season progresses, KKR face a crucial call – whether to stick with Green in the hope that he regains form and fitness, or rethink their combination in a campaign that is already winding down.
