Green as Andre Russell's replacement: Why KKR's IPL fantasy could turn into a nightmare

Why Green to KKR could be a wrong move [Source: AFP Photo]

The stage is set for an epic Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini auction next month, and the team that has the highest purse is Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), with 64.3 crore left. The team released a plethora of players, but none bigger and more important than their superstar, Andre Russell.

The decision to release Russell came as a surprise for many, as the all-rounder was considered a key component for the upcoming season. However, interestingly, rumours have circulated that after releasing Russell, the franchise might pursue Australia’s Cameron Green to fill the void. The Aussie player has been in exceptional form as of late and has the IPL experience that the franchise are going after.

However, going after Green to replace Russell could be a wrong move and here’s why the franchise shouldn’t run after the Australian star in the mini auction.

Not a like-to-like replacement

• Green and Russell are both different players and have different skillsets, and going after the Aussie star could be the wrong move. For Australia and for his IPL teams, RCB and MI, Green has batted in top four and is known more for his aggressive batting in the middle-order, who can also do a bit of finishing job.
• Russell, on the other hand, is your go-to finisher, and his role demands finishing the games for his side. Unlike Green, Russell is not tasked with rebuilding the innings, and hence, both stars have different roles in the IPL.
• KKR should rather go for like-for-like replacements instead of just going after a big name. He doesn’t do the same job as Russell and this is where things could get tricky for KKR.

Green's not so great record at 6, and 7

(Green at number 6, and 7 in IPL)

• As the data suggests, Green has an average record at numbers 6, and 7, and this is where Russell predominantly bats in the IPL. Green is more of a number 4 kind of a batter, and if KKR are thinking of using him as a finisher, then they could be in for a surprise as he doesn’t do the job that Russell does.

Green cannot fulfill KKR's other important need

• Russell was not only a great finisher for KKR, but the all-rounder also showed his death-overs bowling skills as the franchise heavily relied on his bowling in the slog overs. He was KKR’s go-to-bowler from the 16th to 20th over, and this is one role that Green is not suitable for.
• His bowling is more suitable in the powerplay and to some extend in the middle overs as the lanky pacer uses his height to advantage and can also take advantage of the seaming conditions.

Conclusion

KKR have the money to buy Green in the mini auction, but do they really need him to replace the outgoing Andre Russell? He is a tempting option to buy, but Green and Russell have different roles and hence, the franchise should be careful if they are chasing him in the mini auction.

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