Cameron Green, the Australian all-rounder, has emerged as a prime target for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. In a simulated auction, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured Green’s services for a staggering Rs 30.5 crore, highlighting his immense value.
Despite being registered as a batter due to an administrative error during the auction process, Green is anticipated to be a fierce bidding war between KKR and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) when the official IPL 2026 auction commences at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena. Experts believe his all-round abilities make him a top priority for franchises.
During the mock bidding, a former India player noted that CSK might have pursued a middle-order all-rounder aggressively, potentially up to Rs 28 crore. However, in the real auction, they might cap their spending around Rs 20 crore to maintain flexibility for other crucial player acquisitions. This strategic approach ensures a balanced squad composition.
The mock auction saw KKR also acquiring Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 13 crore. The rationale behind this move was to bolster their death bowling capabilities, a critical aspect of T20 cricket. With experienced coaching staff, Pathirana is expected to be an effective asset at the end of the innings.
CSK, represented by another former India international, secured Sarfaraz Khan for Rs 7 crore, emphasizing his current stellar form. The team believes his aggressive batting and ability to win matches single-handedly justify the investment. His inclusion is seen as a strategic move to add depth and firepower to the middle order, especially on wickets that favor technically sound players.
CSK’s mock auction strategy also focused on strengthening their spin attack and pace department. They targeted leg-spinners like Rahul Chahar and Wanindu Hasaranga to compensate for the absence of key spinners, and acquired paceman Anrich Nortje for his express pace and yorker-finishing skills. The team’s focus on blending experienced performers with promising young talent like Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis aims to foster a fearless and aggressive brand of cricket.