Kolkata Knight Riders’ new head coach Abhishek Nayar has confirmed that Cameron Green will bat in the top three for the franchise in the upcoming IPL 2026 season, underlining the role clarity provided to the Australian all-rounder after his record-breaking auction signing.
Speaking during the auction break, Nayar said KKR view Green as a top-order batter, citing his ability to dominate powerplays and control the tempo of an innings. “Cameron Green will bat in the top three for us,” Nayar stated, signalling a clear plan around the 25-year-old.
Green was the headline act of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, where KKR secured him for a staggering Rs 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL auction history. The signing followed a fierce bidding war involving Chennai Super Kings, with KKR eventually outbidding all rivals.
The Australian all-rounder previously played for Mumbai Indians (2023) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2024), before missing the 2025 season due to a lower back injury that required surgery. Fully fit and cleared to bowl, Green entered the auction as one of the most sought-after names.
Across 29 IPL matches, Green has scored 707 runs at an average of 41.59 and a strike rate of 153.70, including a maiden IPL century. His ability to contribute with the ball adds further balance to KKR’s lineup.
With Abhishek Nayar confirming his top-order role, KKR have made it clear that Cameron Green will be a central pillar of their batting plans as they prepare to defend their title in IPL 2026.
