"Would like to see him play in the opening slot" - Anil Kumble urges KKR to use Cameron Green at the top instead of star player in IPL 2026

Former India spinner Anil Kumble feels that Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) record signing Cameron Green should play as an opener for the franchise in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The three-time winners bought the Australian all-rounder for a whopping sum of INR 25.20 crore at the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 16

KKR emerged triumphant in an intense bidding war with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as Cameron Green became the most expensive overseas acquisition in the competition's history. The Australian comes with a reputation of being a versatile player, capable of batting almost anywhere in the order.

In his previous stints in the IPL with the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he predominantly featured in the No.3 slot. However, he has opened the batting once during the 2023 campaign, where he scored six runs off four deliveries.

In International cricket, he has opened the batting seven times in the shortest format, where he has scored 137 runs at an average of 19.57, and a strike rate of 187.67.

Anil Kumble opined that KKR must use him in a top-order role, and deploy Sunil Narine as a lower-order finisher or as a floater.

"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," Anil Kumble said on JioStar (via NDTV). "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. 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.

KKR have roped in multiple top-order resources during the auction in the form of Rahul Tripathi and Finn Allen. The franchise had also bid hard for Sri Lankan opening batter Pathum Nissanka, before losing out to the Delhi Capitals (DC).

"I'm so excited to be part of Kolkata" - Cameron Green's message for KKR after historic IPL 2026 Auction move

The Australian all-rounder is set to be back in the IPL next year after having missed out the 2025 season due to an injury. He was released by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after spending a season with them following a trade from the Mumbai Indians (MI).

"Hey KKR fans, it's Cam Green here. I'm so excited to be part of Kolkata for this year's IPL, to get down to the Eden Gardens, get used to the atmosphere and hope it's a great year for us. So, see you soon. Ami KKR," Green said in a recorded message on social media.

Cameron Green is currently involved with the Australian team in the 2025-26 Ashes Down Under. He has played a decent hand with both bat and ball as the hosts have already claimed a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Edited by Gokul Nair