Harbhajan Singh Urges KKR to Rethink Cameron Green's Role in IPL 2026

In the wake of Kolkata Knight Riders' disappointing start to IPL 2026, Harbhajan Singh has called for a reassessment of Cameron Green's role in the team. With Green struggling due to injury and only contributing as a batsman, Singh suggests that KKR should consider alternatives like Tim Seifert or Rovman Powell. As KKR prepares for their next match against Punjab Kings, they find themselves at the bottom of the points table, raising questions about their strategy moving forward. Will KKR make the necessary adjustments to turn their season around?

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 3, 2026, 17:25 IST

Kolkata Knight Riders Face Tough Decisions

Latest Updates on Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026: Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has advised the management of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to contemplate dropping Australian all-rounder Cameron Green from their playing XI if he continues to refrain from bowling. The three-time IPL champions have superior batting alternatives compared to Green. Acquired for ₹25 crores, Green was expected to enhance KKR's balance with his all-round skills. However, due to an injury, he has only participated as a batsman in the initial matches of the IPL. In his debut against the Mumbai Indians, he scored 18 runs, followed by a mere 2 runs in the subsequent match, indicating that this strategy has not been effective for KKR.

Harbhajan Suggests Alternatives to Green

Harbhajan pointed out that New Zealand opener Tim Seifert could be a more suitable choice for KKR if Green is unable to bowl. He also mentioned that West Indies power-hitter Rovman Powell could serve as another viable replacement. On his YouTube channel, Harbhajan stated, “Cameron Green doesn’t fit into this team because he isn’t bowling. The team should consider bringing in Tim Seifert to open the innings. If Green isn’t bowling, there are better batting options available, like Seifert or even Rovman Powell.”

KKR has had a dismal start to the IPL season, losing both of their matches against the Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. They failed to defend a total of 220 runs against Mumbai and lost to Hyderabad by 65 runs at Eden Gardens. This marks the first time since 2012 that KKR has lost their opening two matches. However, they can draw some encouragement from the fact that they went on to win their first IPL title in that same season. Harbhajan noted, “KKR must be feeling the pressure after losing both matches, one at home and one away. To turn things around, they need to address several issues, as they have been heavily defeated in both games.”

Upcoming Match for KKR in IPL 2026

KKR's next challenge will be against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Monday, April 6, 2026. Currently, KKR is at the bottom of the points table, just ahead of Chennai Super Kings due to a better run-rate. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals lead the table, followed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Punjab Kings, all of whom have started the season with victories.