KKR Secures Cameron Green for Record Price at IPL Auction
KKR's Successful Acquisition of Cameron Green
The CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders, Venky Mysore, expressed his delight after the franchise acquired Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for ₹25.20 crore during the IPL auction held in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. This transaction positions Green as the third-most expensive player in IPL history and the highest-priced overseas player in the league's history.
Strategic Bidding Approach
Mysore shared insights into the franchise's bidding strategy, emphasizing their interest in Green while maintaining a cautious approach throughout the auction. He stated, "We are very pleased with the outcome, as it was a target we had in mind. We were concerned about how high the price might go, but we were determined yet not overly attached to the player."
He further explained that KKR was ready to withdraw if the bidding threatened their overall auction strategy, adding, "If it had started to impact our other plans, we would have let him go. Thankfully, the final bid fell within our expected range."
Cameron Green's Contribution to KKR
Mysore highlighted Green's potential to enhance the team's balance and depth, particularly alongside experienced players. He remarked, "His addition is significant, especially with our new power coach, Andre Russell. It's great to have a young all-rounder on board."
The KKR CEO also noted Green's prior experience in the IPL as a considerable advantage, stating, "Knowing his capabilities with both bat and ball from his previous IPL stints makes us very optimistic about his impact on the team."
Intense Bidding Dynamics
Discussing the competitive bidding process, Mysore mentioned, "It's hard to predict how far we would have gone; it largely depended on our overall strategy. We were nearing our limit."
Initially, KKR and Rajasthan Royals engaged in a fierce bidding contest, with the Royals withdrawing at around ₹13 crores. Chennai Super Kings then entered the fray, pushing the price beyond ₹20 crores. Ultimately, CSK bid ₹25 crores, followed by KKR's successful bid of ₹25.20 crores.
Cameron Green's Impressive Stats
Cameron Green boasts an impressive record, having scored 521 runs in 21 T20I matches at an average of 32.56 and a strike rate of 160.30, including six fifties. He has also taken 12 wickets with an average of 23.35.
In T20s, he has accumulated 1,334 runs in 63 matches at an average of 33.35 and a strike rate of 151.07, featuring one century and seven fifties, along with 28 wickets at an average exceeding 34.
Green participated in the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons with the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, scoring 707 runs in 29 matches at an average of 41.58 and a strike rate of over 153, including one century and two fifties, while also taking 16 wickets at an average above 41.5. However, he missed last season's auction due to an injury.