![Watson explains why Cameron Green is special for KKR [Source: @KnightsVibe/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1766328818653_Shane_Watson_Cameron_Green_KKR_IPL_2026.jpg?type=hq)
Watson explains why Cameron Green is special for KKR [Source: @KnightsVibe/X.com]
Kolkata Knight Riders made the biggest splash of the IPL auction by snapping up Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for a massive ₹25.2 crore. Now, assistant coach Shane Watson has explained exactly why the franchise was so determined to land Green.
The big-money signing comes after a disappointing 2025 season for KKR, where the defending champions finished eighth.
Ahead of the auction, the franchise released several big names, including Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell, freeing up the largest purse among all teams.
Shane Watson rates Cameron Green highly
Naturally, with a big purse, KKR spent ₹25.2 crore on securing Cameron Green. While the move seemed overly expensive, the franchise’s assistant coach Shane Watson explained what makes Green so special.
Speaking to KKR’s official website, Watson didn’t hide his admiration. He called himself a massive fan of Green and said the franchise knew exactly what they were getting.
“I’ve always been a massive fan of Cameron Green. I’m an all-rounder at heart, so I know what it takes to push the limits to be the best all-rounder that you possibly can be. And I’ve always absolutely loved everything about Cameron Green. He’s got incredible height, he’s got incredible skill, and I’ve been wanting to have a chance to be able to work with him really closely," Watson said.
As a former elite all-rounder, Watson believes Cameron Green has all the tools needed to dominate modern T20 cricket.
"I’ve had a number of conversations with him over the years, to be able to just help him wherever he needs it. But I haven’t had a chance to be able to work with him in a team. Now, because of KKR, I get a chance to be able to work with him and pass on my knowledge that I was so fortunate to be able to gain throughout my playing days, playing with so many incredible players,” he added.
According to Watson, Green’s biggest strength is his versatility. He can bat in the top three, where he already has IPL hundreds, or drop down to No.6 or No.7 and finish games with power hitting.
But Cameron Green isn’t just about batting. Shane Watson stressed that the Australian is already a high-quality fast bowler and still has room to grow.
“From a KKR perspective, to be able to have someone who can bat in the top three, (he has scored IPL hundreds in those positions) or if needed, he also can bat at six and seven and power hit – he’s an incredible power hitter. That makes him incredibly versatile. He is also a world-class fast bowler. He’s tall, he gets bounce, and he’s also got more to be able to grow from a bowling perspective."
KKR build a strong squad for IPL 2026
Kolkata Knight Riders went big in the IPL 2026 mini-auction as they bought Cameron Green (₹25.2 Cr) and Matheesha Pathirana (₹18 Cr). Additionally, the team also bought other stars like Mustafizur Rahman, Rachin Ravindra, Finn Allen, and Tim Seifert.
Earlier, they retained players like Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, and Varun Chakravarthy. KKR’s biggest challenge, however, remains captaincy, a concern after Ajinkya Rahane’s stint last season.
