Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to host Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 9 at Eden Gardens, with the home side still desperately searching for their first win of the IPL 2026. KKR’s season has stumbled out of the gate with two losses and a draw, placing immense scrutiny on their star-studded roster. Much of that focus has fallen on Cameron Green, the franchise’s record-breaking INR 25.20 crore signing, who has yet to find his rhythm or justify his massive price tag in the tournament so far.
Murali Kartik wants KKR to drop Cameron Green
Former Indian spinner Murali Kartik has been vocal in his criticism of Green’s lackluster start. Despite his reputation as a premier all-rounder, Green has not contributed a single over of bowling and has struggled with the bat. After managing only 18 runs in the season opener, he suffered an unfortunate run-out in the second game and failed to make an impact in the third, leaving the KKR middle order vulnerable and underproductive.
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'I am not seeing anything coming from Cameron Green'
In light of these struggles, Kartik has suggested a tactical overhaul for the upcoming clash against LSG. He believes KKR should consider dropping Green in favor of Tim Seifert, which would allow veteran Ajinkya Rahane to slot in at the number three position. Kartik pointed to the successful international partnership between Seifert and Finn Allen, which powered New Zealand to a T20 World Cup final, as a potential blueprint for KKR to revitalize their top order, especially since Seifert has yet to feature in the playing XI this season.
"I will make a change, I have been saying this right from the start that Finn Allen and Tim Seifert should open the innings together, and Ajinkya Rahane can bat at No.3. I am not seeing anything coming from Cameron Green, to be very honest. He is not even bowling," Kartik said on Cricbuzz.
"You have a settled opening pair who know each other really well, and if they can start well on the good Kolkata surface, then that would be great," he added.
Green’s struggles at the crease have become a major point of concern for KKR, as he has managed only 24 runs across three innings, resulting in a dismal average of 8.00. While his strike rate remains high at 171.42, his lack of staying power has forced the franchise to look at other overseas alternatives. The squad boasts significant depth with New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra waiting in the wings, as well as power-hitter Rovman Powell, who recently featured in the starting XI against the Punjab Kings when Sunil Narine was sidelined due to illness.
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Looking at the opposition, Kartik advised LSG to maintain their current momentum by keeping their batting order intact. He suggested they continue opening with the powerhouse duo of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh, with Rishabh Pant anchoring the lineup at number three. Following LSG’s thrilling victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, the former spinner expressed confidence in their setup while identifying several key players he expects to deliver standout performances in the upcoming clash.
"The most important thing for Lucknow was that their original opening pair returned, and the position that Rishabh Pant is currently playing in, please stay there. The player to watch out for me would be Bison (Mitchell Marsh) and Finn Allen," Murali he concluded.