3 opening combinations KKR can try in IPL 2026 ft. Cameron Green

Having purchased 13 players at the IPL 2026 auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have strengthened their squad ahead of the next IPL season. The franchise has replaced Quinton de Kock and Rahmanullah Gurbaz with two new overseas wicketkeeper-batters, Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, respectively. With the costliest ever IPL player, Cameron Green, in their ranks, KKR have numerous options to open the innings.

In addition to that, they already have natural openers Ajinkya Rahane (skipper) and Sunil Narine. Rachin Ravindra is another option to open the innings, having done the same job with his stint with the previous IPL franchise, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Thus, the three-time champions have a good headache at the top of the order ahead of the 2026 season.

With plenty of specialists available, here are three opening combinations for KKR ahead of the IPL 2026 season:

Cameron Green – Ajinkya Rahane

Cameron Green. Source: Getty

Cameron Green and Ajinkya Rahane would be the first-choice opening players for KKR in IPL 2026. In this way, the Knight Riders can make the most of the amount spent on Green. The Aussie all-rounder has amassed 137 runs in seven T20Is at a strike rate of 187.67 with the help of two half-centuries.

Meanwhile, Rahane is a seasoned player in the T20 league. The 37-year-old has amassed 3,685 runs in 126 innings at a strike rate of 122.06, including two centuries and 24 fifties.

With plenty of finishers available, former India captain Anil Kumble has urged KKR to open with Cameron Green. He told JioStar (via Hindustan Times):

“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.”

Cameron Green – Tim Seifert

Tim Seifert. Source: Getty

Tim Seifert can partner with Cameron Green as an opener for KKR in IPL 2025. The 31-year-old will also be a like-for-like replacement for de Kock and Gurbaz. The Kiwi opener is in red-hot form, having smashed 102 against the Brisbane Heat in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL). As an opener, he has amassed 1378 runs in 33 T20I innings at a strike rate of 152.60, hitting 10 half-centuries.

Notably, Seifert has scored 6,800 runs in 294 T20s, including five tons and 32 fifties. The majority of his innings have come while batting at the top of the order. Coming from the same trans-Tasman region, Seifert can form a good camaraderie with Green. The move will allow Rahane to continue with his No. 3 spot, having amassed 390 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 147.73, including three half-centuries in IPL 2025.

Like Anil Kumble, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also believes that Cameron Green should open the innings, adding that Rahane might stick to his No. 3 slot. He said on his YouTube channel:

“KKR did not run after Venkatesh Iyer, so I think that Cameron Green will open the batting, while Rahane might either open or bat at No.3.”

Ajinkya Rahane – Tim Seifert

Ajinkya Rahane has over 3,500 runs as an opener in IPL. Source: Getty

Tim Seifert can open the innings with Ajinkya Rahane to allow Cameron Green to play his natural position at No. 3. Notably, Green has amassed 482 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 158.03, including one century and two fifties.

The move will also allow Rahane to return to his opening slot, a place where he has dominated in the IPL. With Seifert known for his attacking batting display from word go, Rahane can play the anchor’s role.

Edited by James Kuanal