New Delhi, Dec 21 (NationPress) Shane Watson, assistant coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has praised Australia's seam bowling all-rounder Cameron Green as a world-class cricketer who he believes will only continue to improve.

Green was the standout signing at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction held in Abu Dhabi, where KKR acquired him for a staggering Rs 25.20 crore. This acquisition not only made Green the most expensive overseas player in IPL history but also the third-highest overall purchase, following Indian stars Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer.

“From a personal perspective, I have always admired Cameron Green,” stated Watson. “As an all-rounder myself, I recognize the dedication needed to excel in that role. I am impressed by his batting skills and his exceptional bowling capabilities.

“His height and skill are remarkable, and I have longed for an opportunity to work closely with him. Over the years, I’ve had several discussions to offer my guidance, but I haven’t had the chance to mentor him in a team environment until now with KKR.

“Now, thanks to KKR, I can share the insights I gained during my playing career with him,” Watson added during a video shared by the franchise on their YouTube channel.

Leading up to the auction, speculation surrounded whether KKR or Chennai Super Kings (CSK) would land Green, with KKR ultimately succeeding. Watson expressed confidence that Green will thrive as an all-round T20 player within the KKR framework.

“From KKR's viewpoint, having someone who can bat in the top three (where he has scored IPL hundreds) or slot in at six or seven as a powerful hitter makes him incredibly adaptable. He is also a top-notch fast bowler,” Watson elaborated.

“His height generates bounce, and he still has room for growth as a bowler. With Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell alongside me to aid in developing his T20 bowling skills, we are excited about his potential. He is a genuinely nice person and a valuable team player, which explains the high bids for his talent.

“We were determined to secure him because we recognized his exceptional caliber, especially considering he's only 26 and has many IPL seasons ahead of him. I’m thrilled to have the chance to help him; we certainly have a world-class cricketer who I believe is destined to improve further,” he concluded.

KKR has also signed New Zealand opener Finn Allen for a base price of Rs 2 crore, and Watson articulated the strategy behind bringing him on board. “Finn is beginning to realize his potential. His unique skills are rare. Having worked with him for three years at the San Francisco Unicorns (in Major League Cricket, USA), I know he hasn’t reached his peak yet.

“He has already achieved remarkable feats on the cricket field, and I have consistently advocated for his talent, believing he could be a significant asset for us, especially since he has been relatively unknown in the IPL despite being with RCB for a couple of seasons.

“I am excited about him batting at Eden Gardens, given his immense power and ability to face various bowling styles. He isn’t merely a flat-track bully; he can challenge the world's best bowlers, which he has proven throughout his career. I look forward to collaborating with him again and supporting him on his journey. The rest of KKR’s leadership team shares this enthusiasm for Finn’s remarkable skills,” he concluded.