Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for a record Rs 25.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. Nayar made it clear that KKR were prepared to spend big as they begin a new phase following the retirement of Andre Russell.
Green’s signing became the biggest talking point of the auction held in Abu Dhabi last week. The tall Australian became the most expensive overseas player in IPL history and the third-costliest buy overall, underlining how highly KKR rate him.
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“We needed someone to take the franchise forward,” says Nayar
Speaking after the auction, Nayar said KKR had no hesitation in going all out for Green once they identified him as their top target.
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“We cannot say how high we were willing to go, but we wanted to go all out. If we have the money, we spend it. There was no point in saving,” Nayar said. “With Andre Russell gone, we needed someone who can take the franchise forward. That’s why Cameron Green was so important for us.”
Russell, a KKR legend and one of the greatest finishers in IPL history, recently retired, leaving a major void in the squad. Nayar explained that Green may play a different role but brings match-winning ability across departments.
KKR see Green as a top-order batter
Unlike Russell, who dominated games in the middle and death overs, KKR see Green as a top-order batter. Nayar revealed that the franchise plans to use Green in the top three, where they believe he can make a big impact.
“We see Cameron Green batting in the top three. He is someone who can score 500 runs in a season,” Nayar said. “That’s why we were so desperate to get him. He solves many problems for us.”
Nayar pointed out that KKR’s success in recent seasons has come when their top-order batters delivered consistently. He cited the 2024 title-winning campaign, when Sunil Narine and Phil Salt both crossed 400 runs under captain Shreyas Iyer.
Green’s IPL numbers justify KKR’s faith
Green’s IPL record supports KKR’s confidence. Across stints with Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he has scored 707 runs in 29 matches at an impressive average of over 41, including a century. In his debut IPL season with MI, he scored 452 runs at an average above 50.
In T20 cricket overall, Green has scored more than 1,300 runs and also contributes regularly with the ball. Though he missed the previous IPL season due to injury, KKR believe he is now fully fit and ready to deliver.
Smart buys add depth to KKR squad
A JioStar expert praised KKR’s auction strategy, especially the signing of Rachin Ravindra at base price. The expert highlighted the strong batting depth and flexibility in the squad, calling it a well-balanced unit.
“KKR have serious batting power,” the expert said. “Green may replace Russell in the team, even if their roles differ. Overall, the squad looks very solid.”
With Cameron Green leading a new era, KKR appear ready to move forward with renewed ambition as they prepare for IPL 2026.