Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting Cameron candidly assessed Green’s international trajectory, stressing that the all-out fight continues. Ash series despite the blockbuster IPL 2026 purchase
Green, snapped by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) As the most expensive overseas player in IPL history at a record ₹25.20 crore, he managed just 76 runs and two wickets in the three Tests as Australia closed the series early. Ponting’s remarks during the ICC Review highlight the gap between Green’s potential and his current output, even as his unique skill set keeps him in the selectors’ plans.
Ricky Ponting highlights Cameron Green’s modest career numbers
Green, 26, made his Test cricket debut against India in Adelaide five years ago, scoring 37 wickets at 32.82 at an average of 1,641 runs in 35 matches, including two centuries. His notable knocks include 114 in Ahmedabad during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and an unbeaten 174 in Wellington in March 2024, which led Australia to a 172-run victory over New Zealand. However, Ponting pointed out that Green has averaged below 30 at home, has made a limited impact following post-bowling surgery and has only two hundreds in 30-over Tests.As an international player, it is still quite difficult to rate him.“
Ponting praised the Greens “very complete package” while shooting, citing his value in the locker room with players and coaches”absolutely loves what he brings to the group.” However, he pointed out inconsistency as a major issue, urging the deep thinker to simplify his approach rather than be constantly crippled. This comes amid Australia’s tenacity with Green at No.7, leaving Ponting’s rivals like ‘Beau Webster’ behind.unlucky player” after strong domestic showings this summer
IPL 2026 expectations and Ponting’s advice for a Green comeback
KKR’s mega bid for Green at the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi surpassed Mitchell Starc’s previous overseas record with bidding wars involving Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals., and Chennai Super Kings before KKR sealed the deal at a base price of ₹2 crore. Although Green will take home ₹18 crore after BCCI’s player development allowances, KKR coach Abhishek Nayar sees him as the top-ranked anchor to replace him. Andre Russellaiming for 500 runs from the top three with his powerplay skills. Anil Kumble endorsed this strategy, suggesting Green at No.3 to finish things off given KKR’s depth in Rinku Singh and Rovman Powell.
Green’s IPL record is 707 runs and 16 wickets in 29 matches between Mumbai Indians (2023) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2024), although he skipped IPL 2025 while recovering from back surgery. Now, his all-round skills perfectly suit KKR’s balance needs, especially after Russell. Ponting reacted with surprise to the auction noise…Over ₹25 crore…that’s a lot of money!“—but Green backed his long-term rise if he stuck to a method.
In the ICC inquiry into Ponting, Green advised, “Keep things as simple as you can, think about what you do in domestic cricket and take your domestic game to a test match and bring it back for a while..”
He believes the highest level of exposure will clear Green, predicting voters’ patience given the more than 30 tests invested. While the green eyes cash in on Boxing Day Test and IPL glory, measured criticism of Ponting highlights the pressure on the ₹25.20 crore star to ensure consistency across formats. The faith of his Australian teammates and the vision of KKR shows confidence, but Green’s evolution depends on embracing simplicity amid high stakes.
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