Why KKR bet big on Cameron Green at IPL 2026 auction?

As the dust settled on the IPL 2026 mega auction, one decision stood out above all others-Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) massive outlay on Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. The franchise shattered records by signing Green for Rs 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history and the third-highest buy overall.

KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar has now explained the thinking behind the bold move, stressing that the franchise was focused on long-term vision rather than auction-day arithmetic. According to Nayar, once Green was identified as the right fit, the price became secondary.

In a recent interaction, Nayar revealed that KKR saw Green as a cornerstone signing, especially as the team prepares for a future without Andre Russell. “We weren’t interested in holding back funds just for the sake of it. We had a clear plan and executed it. Cameron Green is central to that plan,” Nayar said, underlining that the Australian was viewed as the natural successor to carry the team forward.

The KKR management believes Green’s versatility gives them answers in multiple areas. Nayar confirmed that the franchise envisions him as a top-order mainstay, capable of delivering consistency throughout the season. “We want him batting in the top three. He’s shown he can put together a 500-run IPL season, and that kind of output changes the complexion of a campaign,” he explained.

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Drawing from KKR’s own history, Nayar pointed out that the team’s most successful seasons have come when the top order has done the heavy lifting. “Whenever our top three have crossed the 400-run mark individually, we’ve ended up having strong seasons. That’s a trend we believe in, and Cameron fits perfectly into that framework,” he said.

With Green now at the heart of their plans, KKR are clearly signalling a shift towards building a new core-one they hope will deliver sustained success in the post-Russell era.