Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)‘s turbulent start IPL 2026 season led to new discussions around team strategy with the former England captain Kevin Pietersen raised their concerns Cameron Greenbatting position. With just one point from three matches, KKR are currently languishing in the bottom half of the points table and are still looking for their first win of the campaign.
The franchise has endured a frustrating run so far – losses Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad A rain-affected confrontation followed Kings of the Punjab. While there has been promise through individual performances, the overall balance of the team is in check, especially in the middle order.
Middle-order struggles reveal KKR’s imbalance in IPL 2026
Despite being a captain Ajinkya Rahane and young dough Angkrish Raghuvanshi KKR, which contributed to half a century in the first games, could not provide stability in the middle order. A lack of consistency at this crucial stage hurt the team’s ability to either accelerate or recover from early setbacks.
The focus is on Green, one of KKR’s most expensive signings for the season. The Australian all-rounder managed just 24 runs in three innings, beating expectations. His promotion to No.3 – a key position in T20 cricket – has drawn particular criticism.
Kevin Pietersen asks Cameron Green’s batting number
Speaking on JioHotstar, Pietersen did not hesitate to appreciate Grell’s role in the batting order. While he dismissed the debate around the player’s price tag, Pietersen stressed that performance and fitness should dictate such decisions.
According to Pietersen, batting at No. 3 in the IPL requires a player with proven consistency and the ability to handle pressure situations – qualities he feels Green has yet to display at this level. He noted that while Green had shown flashes of brilliance in the previous IPL season, including a century, there was not enough evidence to justify placing him in such an important role.
“I’m against talking about money because money is just something that happens. These guys don’t make as much money as some of the other athletes in the world. But obviously a lot of people like to talk about what I like to talk about, which is cricket skills. And whether you’re good enough to be in a position of strength and fight for the team, you’ve got to be good enough at PL level.” Pietersen said.
Pietersen further argued that Green is better suited to a middle-order role where he can play more freely and contribute as a secondary bowling option. However, with Green not bowling regularly in IPL 2026, his current role in the team looks even more doubtful.
“And I don’t think he’s good enough to bat at No. 3. He’s not bowling, so look at what he’s done. Yeah, I saw him get 100 in Mumbai a couple of years ago. I haven’t seen enough from Cam Green to bat at No. 3 here and take on that responsibility. Pietersen added.
Also READ: IPL 2026: Kevin Pietersen picks 4 teams for playoffs after first week
