Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is all set to make another massive change before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season. After reports suggested that Hardik Pandya is close to becoming KKR’s new captain, another big update has now emerged regarding Cameron Green’s future with the franchise.
This update has come on the same day when reports suggested that the Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians are close to finalising the Hardik Pandya trade. Several media reports suggested that Pandya is likely to become KKR’s new captain soon.
KKR’s Cameron Green gamble backfires after injury disrupts IPL 2026 plans
The Kolkata Knight Riders made one of the biggest buys in IPL history when they signed Cameron Green for ₹25.20 crore at the IPL 2026 mini auction. The franchise spent almost 40% of its total auction purse on the Australian all-rounder, expecting him to be their big match winner.
However, things did not go as planned. Before the IPL 2026 started, Green was recovering from a lower-back injury. Since Cricket Australia was managing the star all-rounder’s workload, he was not allowed to bowl in the early part of the tournament.
As a result, Green played only as a specialist batter at the start of the league. The team had spent more than ₹25 crore on an all-rounder, but they could not use Green as an all-rounder, and that affected KKR’s team combination in IPL 2026.
The decision faced heavy criticism, with fans and cricket experts questioning whether KKR had taken a huge risk by spending so much money on a player who was not fully available. However, by the second half of the IPL, Green returned to his full all-round role, but the franchise was already struggling badly, and they once again failed to qualify for the playoffs.
KKR unsure over ₹25.20 crore star Cameron Green amid Hardik Pandya talks
Now, as all the teams have started planning for the upcoming IPL 2027, fresh reports have claimed that the Kolkata Knight Riders are still not sure whether they should retain Cameron Green. Amid this, England Test squad vs Pakistan announced, RCB star replaces Jacob Bethell at No.3; Dan Lawrence returns.
The main reason is his availability. The franchise wants to avoid the situation that they faced earlier this season. The timing of this report has made it even more interesting because it comes just when Hardik Pandya is strongly linked with a move to KKR.
KKR are uncertain about retaining Cameron Green due to his availability concerns for IPL 2027.
-Subhayan Chakraborty pic.twitter.com/z2gge58HqK
— KKR Vibe (@KnightsVibe) August 6, 2026
KKR to sacrifice Cameron Green for Hardik Pandya?
However, it is being said that it will be an all-cash deal between KKR and Mumbai Indians. Speaking about Green, the Australian all-rounder is highly likely to opt out of the IPL 2027 because of the Ashes 2027 in England, and that’s why the three-time IPL champions may release him before the auction.
During the IPL 2026 season, Green had a decent campaign for the Kolkata Knight Riders despite a slow start. The Australian scored 322 runs in the tournament at an average of 32.20 and a strike rate of 145.70, with a highest score of 79 against the Gujarat Titans. Additionally, Green picked up 7 wickets at an average of 33.43, with his best figures of 2/23 against the Mumbai Indians.
