The Australian all-rounder has scored only 24 runs in three matches so far.
Acquired for ₹25.20 crore, the Australian all-rounder has managed only 24 runs in three matches, prompting fans and experts to question his spot as a specialist batter.
Green has not bowled in the ongoing IPL so far due to lower back issues managed by Cricket Australia. His inability to bowl has hindered KKR’s team balance, forcing the franchise to play with an inexperienced and weakened bowling attack.
With no clarity on when he will resume bowling, former England skipper Kevin Pietersen has called for Cameron Green’s snub from KKR XI, claiming that he is not good enough to bat at No. 3.
“I'm against talking about the money because the money is something that just happens. These guys don't earn as much money as some of the other sportsmen around the world. But obviously, a lot of people like to talk about what I like to talk about, which is cricketing ability. And whether or not you're good enough to be in a position of power and batting a 3 in an IPL team, you have to be good enough to be able to perform at that level,” Pietersen said on JioHotstar.
“And I don't think that he's good enough to bat at number 3. He's not bowling, so you have a look at what he has done. Yes, I've seen his, he got a 100 in Mumbai a couple of years ago. I've not seen enough of Cam Green to warrant batting at 3 here and taking on that responsibility. He's a middle-order batter who bowls a bit, and that's what he does,” he added.
Former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Rovman Powell should replace Cameron Green in the KKR lineup under current circumstances.
"If you look at who is the ideal player, if Cameron Green is not bowling, then he doesn't fit into that, you know, just a batsman category as far as an overseas batter is concerned," said Bangar.
"So, you might as well think of Rovman Powell, who is a proven T20 specialist who bats and does a very specialised job. So, I like Powell for the fact that he is a specialist, does a role, and he is a proven commodity rather than hoping that someone would come good," he remarked.
Kolkata Knight Riders are winless after their first three games in the ongoing IPL. While the three-time champions lost to Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad, their fixture against Punjab Kings got abandoned due to rain at the Eden Gardens on Monday (April 6).