Cameron Green Shines in Debut Over for KKR
Kolkata Knight Riders welcomed their big purchase from the auction, Cameron Green, on Thursday, April 9. The Australian all-rounder, who faced criticism for his early performances in the Indian Premier League 2026, made a strong statement by dismissing Rishabh Pant in his debut over for the team.
In the ninth over of the match against Lucknow Super Giants, Green’s short ball sent Pant back to the pavilion, giving KKR a crucial edge. The franchise had invested a staggering Rs 25.20 crore on Green, and doubts had been raised about his role after he failed to bowl in KKR’s first two matches.
Former England star Kevin Pietersen voiced his concerns, expressing that if Green wasn’t contributing with the ball, then he might not fit into the team. “I don’t think he’s good enough for batting at No. 3 if he isn’t bowling,” Pietersen mentioned on Star Sports.
The issue initially arose during KKR’s season opener when captain Ajinkya Rahane was questioned about Green’s absence from bowling in a significant defeat to the Mumbai Indians. Rahane, visibly annoyed, hinted that the question should be directed at Cricket Australia, implying that KKR may not have been fully aware of Green’s bowling limitations during the auction.
Cricket Australia later confirmed that they had informed KKR that Green wasn’t going to bowl at the start of the tournament due to a back injury. A spokesperson clarified, “Cameron has a lower back injury which is being managed, so he needed to refrain from bowling for a short while.”
However, on this particular day, Green stepping up with ball proved beneficial for KKR, as it brought much-needed pressure back on Lucknow. Alongside Sunil Narine, who limited runs with his clever spin, KKR fought back during the middle overs. Earlier in the game, KKR had set a target of 181 runs for the loss of 4 wickets after being asked to bat first at Eden Gardens.
Overall, Green’s performance marked a positive turning point for the Knight Riders, showcasing his potential to be a vital player for the team moving ahead in the tournament.
