Former India spinner Anil Kumble wants Cameron Green to open for his new franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2026.
Speaking on JioStar, Kumble said: “I would like to see him play the opening slot for KKR. I think, in terms of a finisher, KKR already have a decent line-up. They have Rinku Singh, for instance. I don’t think they utilised their resources well last season. If you compare it to the season when they won the trophy, it was a similar kind of line-up. Yes, of course, Shreyas Iyer, the skipper, was missing, and Mitchell Starc, the key fast bowler, was also missing. However, if you look at the kind of batting depth they had – Ramandeep Singh, Rovman Powell, and Rinku Singh; these are all capable and experienced batters who can operate in the No. 5, No. 6, and finisher roles.”
Green became the most expensive buy of this year’s auction as KKR bought him for INR 25.20 crore. The Australian all-rounder has previously represented two IPL franchises — Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He has played 29 matches in the tournament, scoring 707 runs at an average of 41.59, which includes one century and two fifties at a strike rate of 153.70.
Kumble also said that Sunil Narine, who was used as an opener last season by KKR, can be used as a floating option.
“So I feel they don’t need a Cameron Green to do that job. I would rather see him at the top of the order, either opening or at No. 3, depending on where Ajinkya Rahane wants to bat. Sunil Narine could drop down to No. 6 or No. 7 or even act as a floater,” he added.
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