Sign in

Cameron Green feels the pressure of INR 25.20 crore price tag; fans unimpressed after first real outing in IPL 2026

Cameron Green scored unbeaten on 32, but his strike rate of 133.33 fell short of what is expected in the T20 format.

Updated on: Apr 9, 2026, 21:56:43 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

The weight of INR 25.20 crore seems to be growing heavier on Cameron Green with every passing game, and Thursday’s clash against the Lucknow Super Giants only added to the scrutiny. Green, who is still awaiting clearance to bowl, has come under pressure not just for his bowling absence but also for his inconsistent batting form. The KKR star managed to remain unbeaten on 32, but his strike rate of 133.33 fell short of what is expected in the T20 format, particularly as he came in during the final overs when quick scoring is crucial.

Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 32 but his strike rate came under the scanner. (PTI)
Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 32 but his strike rate came under the scanner. (PTI)

Green’s struggle was evident in his reactions during the innings. After smashing a six off Mohammad Shami in the penultimate over, he let out a deep sigh of relief, showing just how much effort it took to connect cleanly. He also managed a boundary in the final over, but even that felt fortunate, as the ball took an inside edge and trickled past to the fine leg fence. These moments highlighted his difficulty in finding rhythm under pressure.

The fans on social media started to lose their confidence in Green after another underwhelming performance, as the KKR star faced harsh reactions.

Green shared an unbeaten 70-run stand for the fifth wicket alongside Rovman Powell, where most of the heavy-lifting was done by the Caribbean star.

Also Read - Finn Allen’s dismissal sparks IPL umpiring controversy, commentators also question Digvesh Rathi’s catch

KKR crumble in middle overs

Earlier, Kolkata Knight Riders reached 98/1 at the halfway stage with skipper Ajinkya Rahane and the in-form Angkrish Raghuvanshi looking dominant. The pair combined for a fluent 84-run partnership off 52 balls, giving the home side hope of posting a total over 200 after Finn Allen’s brief stay ended with just 9 runs, marking his second consecutive low score.

Just when KKR seemed to have momentum, a clever mix of spin and disciplined pace sparked a familiar middle-overs wobble. The team lost three quick wickets between the 11th and 14th overs, derailing their innings. Rahane, who scored 41 off 24 balls with four boundaries and two sixes, was trapped by Digvesh Rathi and caught low by Mohammed Shami. Raghuvanshi followed immediately, making 45 off 33 balls, including five fours and two sixes, but holed out to long-on off left-arm spinner Maniraman Siddharth.

The sudden collapse left KKR struggling to maintain their earlier momentum and shifted the game back in the opposition’s favour.

  • Aditya Maheshwari
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Aditya Maheshwari

    Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

Get live cricket scores, match updates, schedules, results and ICC rankings. Follow the latest news, statistics and performances of top teams and players on Hindustan Times.