KKR officially announce Cameron Green’s batting position for IPL 2026; Sunil Narine demoted

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have already made their plans very clear for their biggest signing ahead of IPL 2026. KKR’s new head coach, Abhishek Nayar, has confirmed exactly how the franchise wants to use Cameron Green, giving the Australian all-rounder complete clarity about his role in the team.

The three-time IPL champions have decided that Cameron Green will bat in the top three next season. The team management sees him as a top-order batter who can make full use of the powerplay with his clean hitting and strong presence at the crease.

KKR coach Abhishek Nayar reveals a clear plan for Cameron Green

The Kolkata Knight Riders believe that Green can control the tempo of the innings and give the rest of the batting lineup a solid base to build on in the upcoming IPL 2026.

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After Nayar’s confirmation at the IPL 2026 Auction in Abu Dhabi, the KKR have made it clear that Green will be one of the main pillars of their batting as they eye their fourth title next year.

Additionally, Nayar has also confirmed that the West Indian all-rounder Sunil Narine will not open the batting this time, hinting at a change in KKR’s approach at the top of the order for the next season.

The head coach said on the sideline of the auction, “Cameron Green will bat in the top three for us. And Sunil Narine will not open in IPL 2026.”

Anil Kumble backs Cameron Green for top-order role at KKR ahead of IPL 2026

Even speaking on the Jiostar, legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble suggested that Kolkata Knight Riders should use Green at the top of the batting order in IPL 2026 instead of playing him as a finisher. The former Indian head coach believes that KKR already have strong finishers like Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, and Ramandeep Singh, so Green should not be used as a finisher.

Kumble felt Green’s biggest strength is his ability to make an impact with the new ball. He suggested that Green should either open the batting or play at number three. This would also allow Sunil Narine to bat lower down the order or be used as a floater depending on the situation.

Read Also: Ravi Bishnoi bought by Rajasthan Royals for INR 7.2 crore at IPL Auction 2026

Meanwhile, Green sparked a fierce bidding war between KKR, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Rajasthan Royals. In the end, KKR went all out and secured Green for a huge INR 25.20 crore. This deal made the Australian all-rounder the most expensive player ever bought in an IPL auction.

Cameron Green's career in numbers

The 25-year-old has already represented the Mumbai Indians in 2023 and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024. He missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a lower back injury that needed surgery. After a long recovery process, Green is now fully fit and has also been cleared to bowl.

So far in his IPL career, Green has played 29 matches and scored 707 runs, including a century, at an impressive average of 41.59 and a strike rate of 153.70. He will be a key player for the franchise. The all-rounder has already played around 90 international matches for Australia.

Green, who is currently playing in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 series against England, has already hammered around 3000 runs and scalped around 70 wickets across the formats for Australia.