Sunil Gavaskar has raised concerns about Cameron Green playing in the lineup for Kolkata Knight Riders during the Indian Premier League 2026 season.
KKR have lost their first two matches of the season, and Green’s limited contribution with both bat and ball has become a major talking point.
KKR’s Big Investment in Cameron Green
Kolkata Knight Riders spent ₹25.20 crore to sign Cameron Green with the hope that he would play a major role as an all-rounder.
The team expected him to provide aggressive batting and important overs with the ball, especially after the retirement of Andre Russell from the franchise.
Cameron Green IPL 2026 Situation
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Auction price | ₹25.20 crore |
| Expected role | Batting all-rounder |
| Current role | Specialist batter only |
| Reason | Not allowed to bowl due to injury management |
However, Green has not bowled in the opening matches of the season.
Why Green Is Not Bowling
Cricket Australia has reportedly restricted Cameron Green from bowling because of a recent back injury.
The decision was made as part of workload management to protect the player’s long-term fitness.
Because of this restriction, Green has only been available as a batter for KKR.
This has created a balance problem for the team because they originally planned to use him as a genuine all-rounder.
Cameron Green’s Early IPL 2026 Performance
Green’s batting has also not made a strong impact so far.
Cameron Green – First Two Matches
| Match | Runs |
|---|---|
| Match 1 | 18 |
| Match 2 | 2 |
These low scores have increased pressure on KKR’s middle order.
Also See : Jos Buttler Praises Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Fearless Batting Ahead of GT vs RR Clash in IPL 2026
Gavaskar’s Advice to KKR
Sunil Gavaskar believes KKR should rethink their team combination if Cameron Green cannot bowl.
According to him, playing Green as only a specialist batter may not help the team, especially when the middle order is struggling.
He suggested that the team management should consider bringing in another proper batter if Green continues to be unavailable as a bowling option.
Gavaskar also pointed out that Green has performed well in the IPL before, including scoring a century in a previous season, but current performance and team balance are more important.
KKR’s Middle Order Problem
One of the biggest concerns for KKR has been the performance of their middle order.
Key Batting Concerns
| Position | Issue |
|---|---|
| No. 4 | Green still settling in |
| No. 5 | Lack of consistency |
| No. 6 | Poor partnerships |
Gavaskar said that the real problem may not be Green alone but the lack of stability at positions No. 5 and No. 6.
If these positions do not improve, the team could continue to struggle in the tournament.
Upcoming Match for KKR
Kolkata Knight Riders will look to bounce back in their next match.
Next Match Details
| Match | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|
| KKR vs Punjab Kings | Eden Gardens | 6 April 2026 |
A strong performance in this game will be important for KKR to regain momentum in the tournament.
Key Questions for KKR
Several important questions remain for the team going forward.
What to Watch Next
| Topic | Key Question |
|---|---|
| Cameron Green | Will he be cleared to bowl soon? |
| Team balance | Will KKR bring another specialist batter? |
| Middle order | Can players at No. 5 and No. 6 improve? |
| Next match | Can KKR bounce back against Punjab Kings? |
Final Thoughts
KKR’s slow start to IPL 2026 has raised concerns about team balance and player roles.
Sunil Gavaskar’s comments highlight the challenge the team faces if Cameron Green cannot contribute with the ball.
The team management may need to adjust the playing XI quickly if they want to stay competitive in the early stages of the tournament.
