Abhishek Nayar urges Cameron Green to become Andre Russell 2.0 for KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Abhishek Nayar has backed Australian all-rounder Cameron Green after the decision by Cricket Australia to restrict him from bowling. Cameron Green has been dealing with a lower back injury since 2024, which led to surgery. He also faced similar issues during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where the Australian team limited his bowling workload to manage his fitness.

However, KKR’s team management was reportedly unaware of this before the IPL mega auction and picked him as a specialist all-rounder for a massive ₹25.2 crore. In their opening game against the Mumbai Indians, Cameron Green did not bowl despite the team being short on bowling options, which sparked debate around his role. When questioned, the KKR captain suggested that such queries should be directed to Cricket Australia.

“It’s Not Short-Sighted”: Nayar Explains KKR’s Long-Term Vision

Talking about Cameron Green, Abhishek Nayar admitted that it is unfortunate that the all-rounder is not bowling at the moment, but stressed that the franchise’s decision was made with a long-term vision in mind.

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"I think, see, the idea of picking a player in an auction is not always very short sighted. There is always a horizon," Nayar said on Wednesday (April 1). "You look at what a player has done over a number of years and the skill set he possesses. This sport is interesting in that way that a lot of times you pick a player with certain prowess and sometimes they may even perform the skill you are talking about and not perform.

"But for us, Cameron Green, the cricketer and the all-rounder was really important. You take a lot of things into consideration at times, whether there is an injury, fitness updates. But eventually, I think, when the auction happens and the tournament happens, it's not immediate. So whatever decision you make, you don't know what the future lies and what the future holds. So in that aspect, we as a franchise always invest in the player and what the player at his best can bring to our table and we know what Cameron Green can do. There are things that sometimes are very unfortunate.

"Yes, you want backups, you pick players who do certain things. But when you went into the auction, very simple. If Russ [Russell] wasn't there, who is the next best all-rounder that we felt in the world and could add a lot of value and could take that Russell legacy forward in a different role, we felt Cameron Green can do that for us. It's just unfortunate that he has not been able to bowl so far."

Signs of Progress: Cameron Green Resumes Bowling in Training

In a recent clip shared by KKR ahead of their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Cameron Green was seen warming up with the ball.

The franchise also posted visuals of him bowling during practice, indicating progress in his workload management and a possible return to full all-round duties.

KKR see Cameron Green as a long-term successor to Andre Russell, aiming to replicate his impact in a slightly different all-round role following Russell’s exit.

Fitness Updates: Pathirana’s Return Hinges on Clearance

Providing an update on Matheesha Pathirana, Nayar said:

"I think just on Pathirana, I think we've got clear communication as to where he's at right now. He's obviously building up his workloads. There will be a fitness test that Sri Lankan Board will conduct, post which the decision on him getting NOC and travelling to Kolkata or wherever will be taken. So, I think we've got constant feedback from them.

"We've got their reports. Our physio team is in touch with their physio team. So, there has been a lot of clarity on the dates. And we are hoping that he can go through those fitness tests, play those practice matches that Sri Lankan cricketers organise for him before they let him go. So, once all those formalities are done, we are hoping and fingers crossed, we have him on our side," Nayar added.

Varun Chakaravarthy Backed Despite Dip in Form

In the absence of key seamers, responsibility will also fall on KKR’s spin attack, particularly Varun Chakaravarthy. Nayar, however, dismissed concerns around the spinner’s form, attributing it to opposition teams adapting to his style.

"I honestly believe mentally he is in a very good space. Actually, in a better space than he's been in previous years in that regard. Is it his toughest challenge? I feel he's gone through a lot more than this," Nayar said.

"Yes, he's obviously accomplished a lot over the past year, which has increased expectations. Everyone always knew Varun Chakaravarthy was a terrific bowler, but the expectation attached has come from the kind of performances he's given for Team India. As a franchise, as the support staff, we back him. I don't think there's any issue.

"But yes, teams are playing him well. Doesn't mean he can't come back - it just means that it's another challenge in his life like he's had prior, and we are trying and we are hoping and in every way backing him, and I hope the fans and the world do too, for him to come back once again, either in this game or in the future. inevitable that he will bounce back as he has in the past," he concluded.

Kolkata Knight Riders will be playing their match today against Sunrisers Hyderabad at their home ground in Kolkata.

Also read: KKR vs SRH Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update- IPL 2026, Match 6