KKR invested in Cameron Green for 'what he can do at his best', insists Nayar

Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Abhishek Nayar played down concerns over Cameron Green's inability to bowl so far in IPL 2026, terming it "unfortunate" but part of a managed process as the all-rounder works his way back from a lower-back injury.

Green, an INR 25.20 crore buy at the auction and viewed as a long-term successor to retired franchise legend Andre Russell, featured purely as a batter in the season opener against Mumbai Indians. Following captain Ajinkya Rahane's "ask Cricket Australia" remark, the board clarified that Green is managing a lower-back issue and gradually rebuilding his bowling workload.

KKR also shared a clip on social media of Green bowling on the eve of their home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, indicating progress.

Addressing the situation, Nayar suggested the franchise's investment was rooted in Green's long-term value rather than immediate returns.

"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. "You look at what a player has done over a number of years and the skill set he possesses."

"But for us, Cameron Green, the cricketer and the all-rounder was really important… 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 can do."

"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."

Green's absence as a bowling option has compounded KKR's fast-bowling concerns. Akash Deep has been ruled out, Mustafizur Rahman had to be released, and Matheesha Pathirana is yet to receive fitness clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket.

Providing an update on Pathirana, Nayar said: "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… will be taken."

In the absence of first-choice seamers, greater responsibility will fall on KKR's spin attack. That brings focus on Varun Chakaravarthy, who has endured a dip in returns since the latter stages of the T20 World Cup.

Nayar, however, dismissed concerns around the spinner's confidence.

"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."

"Yes, he's obviously accomplished a lot over the past year, which has increased expectations… 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… it's inevitable that he will bounce back as he has in the past," he concluded.