Kevin Pietersen has questioned Cameron Green’s role in Kolkata Knight Riders after the Australian all-rounder’s underwhelming start to IPL 2026. Despite being signed for a massive Rs 25.2 crore, Green has managed just 24 runs in three games, averaging only eight, and is yet to bowl a single delivery, raising doubts about his overall contribution.

His latest outing against the Punjab Kings, which was interrupted by rain, added to the criticism as he was dismissed for just 4 runs off 2 balls.

The performance intensified fan frustration, with many questioning KKR’s decision to invest heavily in him.

During a discussion on JioHotStar, Pietersen stated that Green is not suited for the No. 3 position, suggesting instead that he is more effective as a middle-order batter who can offer occasional bowling support. So far this season, Green has been shuffled between No. 3 and No. 4 as KKR continue searching for a stable combination.

“I’m not focusing on the price tag, but I don’t believe he’s suited to bat at No.

3. He isn’t contributing with the ball, and that role demands a lot. He’s more of a middle-order player who can chip in with some bowling—that’s where he fits best,” said Pietersen.

Green’s struggles extend beyond the IPL as well. In T20 internationals this year, he has scored 117 runs across seven matches while bowling just 7.1 overs, highlighting his limited impact as an all-rounder.

KKR, however, have other options to consider, including Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, and Rovman Powell, with the West Indies player already featured in the lineup against PBKS.

Adding to the debate, Sanjay Bangar pointed out that both Green and Ravindra are not typical T20 specialist. He emphasised that if Green is not contributing with the ball, his place as a batter alone becomes difficult to justify. Bangar further noted that a proven T20 player like Powell could be a more dependable choice for the team.

“You need to prioritise specialists, especially when selecting overseas players. If you look at players like Rachin Ravindra or Cameron Green, they aren’t established T20 specialists. And with only four overseas slots available, those picks have to be very specific,” said Bangar.

“If you think about the ideal choice, and Cameron Green isn’t contributing with the ball, then he doesn’t really qualify as a pure overseas batting option.

“So it makes sense to look at someone like Rovman Powell, who is an established T20 specialist with a clearly defined role. That’s why I prefer Powell as he knows his job and has consistently delivered in that role,” Bangar explained.