Following yet another disappointing performance from Cameron Green with the bat for the Kolkata Knight Riders, former England international Kevin Pietersen has expressed doubts about the Australian all-rounder’s suitability for the number three batting position. In the first three matches of IPL 2026, Green has managed to score just 18 and two runs in his initial outings, and he has not bowled due to injury issues. During a rain-interrupted match against the Punjab Kings on Monday evening, he could only add four runs to his tally.
Pietersen shared his thoughts on JioHotstar during the rain delay, stating, “I prefer not to focus on financial aspects, as earnings fluctuate. These athletes don’t make as much as some sports figures globally. However, my priority is cricketing skill. To bat at number three in an IPL team, a player must demonstrate sufficient ability. Currently, I do not believe he is fit for that role. Since he isn’t bowling, we must evaluate his batting contributions. Although he did score a century in Mumbai a couple of years ago, I haven’t seen enough from Cam Green to justify his position at number three and the responsibilities that come with it. He is primarily a middle-order batsman who bowls occasionally, and that’s his forte,” he remarked.
Kolkata Knight Riders acquired Green for Rs 25.20 crore during last year’s mini IPL auction, making him the most expensive overseas player in the league’s history. Previously, he played for the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and missed the 2025 season due to back surgery. Before this season, Green had an impressive IPL record, averaging 41.48 with 16 wickets at an average of 41.50 across 29 matches.
In his T20 International career for Australia, Green has accumulated 638 runs at an average of 29.00 and claimed 14 wickets at an average of 25.00 over 28 matches. Recently, the 26-year-old has not bowled, and when KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane was questioned about Green’s lack of bowling in the current IPL season, he suggested, “Ask Cricket Australia.”
Cricket Australia later confirmed that Green is dealing with a lower back injury, which has prevented him from bowling temporarily. A spokesperson stated, “Cameron is managing a lower back injury that necessitates a break from bowling for a short period. He is currently working on rebuilding his bowling capacity in India, aiming for a return in approximately 10-12 days. KKR has been informed and is fully aware of this situation.”
Sanjay Bangar, a former batting coach for India, suggested that KKR might consider recruiting a specialist batsman, such as Rovman Powell, if Green remains unable to bowl. “It’s essential to opt for specialists. When evaluating players like Rachindra Ravindra and Cameron Green, neither has proven themselves in T20 formats. When selecting overseas players, they must be specialists due to limited spots. If Cameron Green isn’t bowling, he doesn’t qualify as just a batsman in the overseas category. It would be prudent to consider Rovman Powell, who is a recognized T20 expert and fulfills a specific role. I favor Powell for his proven abilities rather than hoping for an untested player to excel,” Bangar explained on JioHotstar.
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