IPL 2026: KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane gives latest on Cameron Green, says 'We'll have Discussions'

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Kolkata Knight Riders shattered records by snapping up Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for Rs 25.20 crore, the highest fee ever paid to an overseas player.

The intense bidding battle with Chennai Super Kings underscored KKR's ambition to rebuild after Andre Russell's retirement. Green will pocket ₹18 crore (with the surplus going to BCCI welfare), but the price tag screams expectation.

Yet the 26-year-old arrives under a cloud. At the 2026 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka, Green flopped spectacularly - just 24 runs across three innings as Australia crashed out in the first round. His preceding Ashes series was no better: 171 runs at 24.42 with no half-century and just four wickets. Form slumps have drawn sharp criticism, with questions raised about whether bowling is hurting his batting.

A lifeline came last week as Green smashed 135 in the Sheffield Shield, his first first-class ton in 10 months, proving the talent still burns bright.

KKR to have detailed discussions with Cameron Green

The Australian reached Kolkata on Friday night as he joined the KKR squad ahead of the IPL 2026. Although form is a concern, the Knight Riders are planning to integrate their most expensive signing with a multifaceted role. When asked about Green, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane spoke of engaging in a chat with the Australian before the start of the season.

"We'll have detailed discussions with Cameron Green to define his role and responsibilities. He's a quality player who can bat in any position and contribute with some overs as well. Over the next few practice games, we'll get a better idea of how to utilise him most effectively within our combinations," Rahane said at KKR's first press conference on Friday.

Rahane took over the captaincy from Shreyas Iyer in 2025, but the Knight Riders failed to make it to the playoffs. With a new season and a number of new faces, the veteran is confident of a turnaround.

"As a team, we'd like to start really well and build momentum. It's a long tournament, so you don't want to peak too early. As a unit, we want to play a positive brand of cricket. So, as a team management, we're really confident that the team will do really well this season," he added.