Media365
NEW DELHI: After a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, Cameron Green’s struggles with the bat continued as the Australian all-rounder was dismissed for a duck in the opening ODI of the three-match series against Pakistan.Green was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a record-breaking Rs 25.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, making him the most expensive overseas player in IPL history. However, the hefty price tag failed to translate into the kind of performances KKR would have hoped for.The lean run continued in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan’s teenage debutant Arafat Minhas produced a dream start to his ODI career. Minhas, who finished with a five-wicket haul on debut, dismissed Green without troubling the scorers.The young spinner delivered a slightly short ball on leg stump that turned sharply away. Green remained rooted deep in his crease and failed to pick the turn. The ball beat his bat and crashed into the top of the off stump, ending his stay at the crease instantly.Green’s IPL campaign was also underwhelming. Representing KKR, he scored 322 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 145.70. Despite a few useful contributions, he was unable to consistently justify the record fee.Green remains the most expensive overseas player in IPL history, while Rishabh Pant holds the record for the most expensive player overall after being bought by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 27 crore at the IPL 2025 auction.KKR’s season mirrored Green’s struggles. The three-time champions failed to make the playoffs, finishing seventh in the standings with six wins, seven defeats and one no-result from their 14 league matches under captain Ajinkya Rahane.The campaign got off to a poor start, with losses to Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad exposing weaknesses in both departments. Although they produced some memorable victories against Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians, consistency remained their biggest challenge.A dramatic Super Over win against Lucknow Super Giants briefly revived KKR’s playoff hopes, but crucial defeats later in the season proved costly. A six-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru dented their chances, while a 40-run defeat against Delhi Capitals in their final league game effectively summed up a frustrating campaign marked by missed opportunities and inconsistency.
