KKR will open their IPL 2026 on March 29 against MI in Mumbai.
Cameron Green was the most expensive purchase at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, being selected by the three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 25.20 crore. The 26-year-old is under great pressure.
Even if his poor form is ignored, there is considerable doubt about Green bowling his full quota for KKR when the IPL 2026 begins on March 28. The Aussie all-rounder arrived in Kolkata on Saturday, but his utility remains unclear.
Green hasn't bowled much since returning from a career-threatening back injury, and Australia has only employed him rarely with the ball. However, given the price tag, one would expect Green to bowl his full quota and fill the void left by Andre Russel in the KKR team.
Speaking about the uncertainty over Cameron Green bowling his full quota of overs for KKR, former India and CSK spinner R Ashwin suggests levying a penalty on players. He stated that if players say they cannot bowl the full quota of overs, money from their contracts should be deducted.
He stated that teams select players with a specific purpose in mind, and last-minute workload management mandated by home boards might disrupt their planning for the whole season.
“I have one question regarding Cameron Green. Will Cricket Australia allow him to bowl four overs in every IPL match? Cricket Australia can very well tell him, 'You cannot bowl four overs.’ So, we need to wait and see what the situation is regarding him,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’.
“It's very simple. Cricket Australia is saying you play in the IPL, but for us, Test cricket is more important. He's centrally contracted with them. But a similar opportunity should be given to the IPL teams. If you bowl only 2 overs, I will deduct INR 2 crore from your contract fee. If he's not able to deliver the four overs, you have the right to cut the money. When you were coming into the auction, we expected you to bowl four overs every time. If there are restrictions, then the team should be able to cut the contract money. This is my simple and humble opinion. If you are KKR and Shah Rukh Khan, you have given INR 25 crore to one player, and he says, ‘I will only bowl one over.’ How will you feel?” he added.
The former India spinner also said that it would be interesting to see how KKR utilises Green in the IPL 2026.
“If I were KKR, I would be thinking, how can I take the best out of Cameron Green. He has to arrive at the party. His confidence would be on the lower side, looking at his recent performances," said Ashwin.
KKR will play their first game against the five-time champions, the Mumbai Indians, at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29.