Finch flags ‘panic’ as Green’s struggles in KKR colours continue

Kolkata Knight Riders’ big-money investment in Cameron Green is yet to yield returns, with the Australian all-rounder struggling to justify his record price tag in the early stages of IPL 2026.

Bought for a staggering Rs 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas signing in IPL auction history, Green has failed to make a significant impact in his first three outings. Playing primarily as a batter even as KKR awaits the green signal from Cricket Australia to resume his bowling, his latest setback came in Monday’s rain-hit clash against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens, where he managed just two balls before edging Xavier Bartlett behind.

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The washout meant there was little game time overall, but it added to a growing list of underwhelming returns for Green. He had earlier scored 18 off 10 against his former side Mumbai Indians, before being run out for 2 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Former Australia captain Aaron Finch believes the pressure of expectations may already be showing in Green’s approach at the crease. “One of those dismissals has been a run out, not a part of his fault. 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,” Finch told ESPNCricinfo.

Finch pointed to Green’s successful stint with Mumbai in 2023, when he was a dominant presence at the top of the order, scoring 452 runs at an average above 50 and a strike rate exceeding 160.

“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.”

So far this season, Green’s batting positions have fluctuated, coming in at different stages, from as early as the second over to later in the powerplay, without finding stability or rhythm.
Finch also questioned KKR’s tactical decisions, particularly their call to bat first in challenging conditions against Punjab Kings. With rain around and the pitch having spent considerable time under covers, the conditions were expected to assist seamers early on.

“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.”

With pressure mounting and expectations high given his hefty price tag, Green will be keen to rediscover his touch quickly as KKR prepare for their next fixture against Lucknow Super Giants on April 9 in Kolkata.