Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have already made their plans clear for their biggest signing ahead of IPL 2026. KKR’s new head coach, Abhishek Nair has confirmed how the franchise wants to use Cameron Green, giving the Australian all-rounder complete clarity about his role in the team.
The three-time IPL champions have decided that Cameron Green will bat in the top three next season. The team management sees him as a top-order batsman who can make full use of the powerplay with his clean hitting and strong presence at the crease.
KKR coach Abhishek Nair reveals a clear plan for Cameron Green
Kolkata Knight Riders believe that Green can control the pace of the innings and give the rest of the batting lineup a solid base to build on in the upcoming IPL 2026.
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After Nair was confirmed at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi, KKR have made it clear that Green will be one of the main pillars of their batting as they eye their fourth title next year.
Additionally, Nair has also confirmed that West Indies all-rounder Sunil Narine will not open the batting this time, indicating a change in KKR’s approach at the top of the order for the next season.
“Cameron Green will bat in the top three for us. And Sunil Narine will not open in IPL 2026,” the head coach said on the sidelines of the auction.
Anil Kumble backs Cameron Green for top-order role at KKR ahead of IPL 2026
Even speaking on GeoStar, legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble suggested that Kolkata Knight Riders should use Green at the top of the batting order instead of playing him as a finisher in IPL 2026. The former Indian head coach believes that KKR already has strong finishers like Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell and Ramandeep Singh, so Green should not be used as a finisher.
Kumble believes that Green’s biggest strength is his ability to make an impact with the new ball. He suggested that Green should either open or play at number three. This will also allow Sunil Narine to bat lower down the order or be used as a floater depending on the situation.
Also read: Ravi Bishnoi bought by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 7.2 crore in IPL auction 2026
Meanwhile, Green sparked a fierce bidding war between KKR, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals. In the end, KKR went all out and acquired Green for a huge sum of Rs 25.20 crore. The deal made the Australian all-rounder the most expensive player ever bought in the IPL auction.
Cameron Green’s career in numbers
The 25-year-old has already represented Mumbai Indians in 2023 and Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2024. He missed the entire 2025 season due to a lower back injury that required surgery. After a long recovery process, Green is now fully fit and has also been cleared to bowl.
Green has played 29 matches so far in his IPL career and has scored 707 runs including one century at an impressive average of 41.59 and strike rate of 153.70. He will be a key player for the franchise. This all-rounder has played about 90 international matches for Australia.
Green, who is currently playing in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 series against England, has already scored nearly 3000 runs across all formats for Australia and taken nearly 70 wickets.
