IPL 2026: Cameron Green says KKR have found the right balance after 29-run win over GT
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Cameron Green believes Kolkata Knight Riders have finally cracked the right combination in their playing XI, declaring the defending champions are still very much alive in the race for an IPL 2026 playoff berth following their commanding 29-run victory over Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens on 17 May.
Green's Knock and the Match-Defining Partnership
The Australian all-rounder was central to KKR's imposing total of 247/2, stroking an unbeaten 52 off 28 deliveries and sharing a match-defining 108-run stand with Angkrish Raghuvanshi. His innings provided the finishing firepower after Finn Allen's blistering 93 had already put the Titans' bowlers under severe pressure in the early overs.
The Settled Batting Order
Green acknowledged that KKR took longer than ideal to settle on their best XI but credited the coaching staff for maintaining composure throughout a period of inconsistent results. 'The coaching staff have been awesome. There was no panic behind closed doors. I think it just took us a while, maybe a bit too long, to figure out the right roles and get the right people in the right positions,' Green said. He identified number four as his ideal slot, with Ajinkya Rahane anchoring the top of the order and Raghuvanshi slotting in at number three. 'We've found that now, so yeah, we're giving ourselves a little chance here,' he added.
Facing Rashid Khan
One of the talking points of Green's knock was his ability to attack Rashid Khan, widely regarded among the most dangerous T20 bowlers in world cricket. Green, however, downplayed any suggestion that he has unlocked a specific formula against the Afghanistan leg-spinner. 'Rashid is a quality bowler and I'm sure we'll have many battles in the future. No, I don't think I'm picking Rashid better than most. It's just kind of how it has happened,' he said. Green instead credited the platform built by his teammates: 'The guys before me batted beautifully.'
KKR's Playoff Outlook
After a season marked by inconsistency, the Knight Riders appear to have rediscovered their rhythm at a critical juncture. With the batting order now settled and aggressive performances with the bat becoming a pattern, KKR will look to carry this momentum into their remaining fixtures and secure a top-four finish. Notably, this victory over Gujarat Titans keeps the pressure firmly on other playoff contenders as the IPL 2026 league stage enters its decisive phase.