Kevin Pietersen Critiques KKR's Handling of Cameron Green in IPL 2026

Pietersen Weighs in on KKR's Strategy with Cameron Green

Kevin Pietersen, the former England cricket star, has shared his thoughts on the ongoing situation regarding Cameron Green and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). During the IPL 2026 match on Sunday, where KKR faced off against the Mumbai Indians, Green, who was acquired for a hefty sum of Rs 25.20 crore (with a salary cap of Rs 18 crore), did not bowl at all. His lack of bowling options was detrimental, as KKR fell to the five-time champions by six wickets, despite Green contributing a quick 18 runs off 10 balls.

After the match, KKR's captain Ajinkya Rahane expressed his disappointment, revealing that he was unable to utilize Green as a bowler. Rahane mentioned that Green had not yet received full clearance from Cricket Australia to bowl. In response to Rahane's comments, Cricket Australia quickly clarified that Green is still in recovery from a lower-back injury sustained during the T20 World Cup. They confirmed that KKR had been informed about his condition prior to the match.

A spokesperson from Cricket Australia stated, "Cameron has a lower-back injury that is being managed, which necessitates a temporary halt to his bowling. He is currently working on rebuilding his bowling loads in India, aiming for a return in approximately 10-12 days. KKR has been kept in the loop regarding this situation." Pietersen weighed in on the issue, arguing that if KKR invested in Green as an all-rounder, it was unacceptable for him not to bowl. He expressed on X (formerly Twitter), "If KKR was aware that Green couldn't bowl and paid that price for a batter, that's their decision. However, if they acquired an all-rounder and he can't bowl, that's NOT acceptable!"

In the match itself, the Mumbai Indians triumphed over KKR by six wickets, thanks to impressive half-centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma, marking a significant turnaround after losing their first game for 13 consecutive seasons.