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Finch Backs "Tentative" Green to Bat Up Order for KKR Despite Struggles

Former Australian cricketer Aaron Finch has urged KKR to keep the struggling Cameron Green batting in the top order, despite noting he looks "tentative" at the crease. Green, KKR's expensive signing, has managed only 24 runs in three innings this season and has yet to bowl due to a back injury. Finch contrasted Green's current form with his dominant 2023 season for Mumbai Indians, where he averaged over 50 with a high strike rate. The all-rounder's recent international form has also been below his usual standards.

Key Points: Aaron Finch Backs Cameron Green to Bat Up Order for KKR

  • Green's poor IPL form for KKR
  • Finch advises batting up the order
  • Contrast with past MI success
  • Injury limited bowling role
2 min read

Finch notes Green's "tentative" batting; still backs him to bat at top of the order for KKR

Aaron Finch says Cameron Green looks "tentative" for KKR but should still bat at the top of the order, not be pushed down the lineup.

"He was imposing at the crease. Now he looks tentative. Do not push him down. - Aaron Finch"

Kolkata, April 7

Former Australian cricketer Aaron Finch has backed struggling all-rounder Cameron Green to continue batting up the order even if he is looking "tentative".

KKR's big buy of Rs 25.20 crores, Green continued his woeful run for KKR after registering just four runs in two balls against Punjab Kings (PBKS), which ended in a no-contest. So far, Green, who was confirmed to be suffering from a lower-back injury by Cricket Australia (CA), has not bowled for KKR and has registered just 24 runs in three innings with a best score of 18. He is expected to return to bowling soon, as he is building on his bowling workload in the nets.

Speaking as quoted on ESPNCricinfo 'Timeout', Finch said, "One of those dismissals has been a run out, not a part of his fault. Still, he has missed out twice. There is a bit of panic; he is not looking the same as the past. Remember when he was at the top of the order for MI - how he had a totally different intent."

"He was imposing at the crease. Now he looks tentative. Do not push him down. Push him either up the order, or give him a rest," he added.

Green had a breakout season with the Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2023, scoring 452 runs in 16 innings at an average of 50.22 and a strike rate of 160.28, with a century and two fifties and taking six wickets. In the 2024 season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he put on some important match-winning performances, scoring 255 runs in 12 innings at an average of 31.87, with a strike rate of 143.25 and a best score of 46, taking 10 wickets at an average of 30.30, with best figures of 2/12.

He did not feature in the 2025 season due to injury. But he had a fantastic year, scoring 258 runs in eight innings for Australia at an average of 43.00, with three fifties and a strike rate of 168.62.

So far this season, Green has batted twice at number three and once at number four.

This year, he has looked a shadow of his past brilliant self, scoring just 117 runs in seven innings for Australia at an average of 19.50 and a strike rate of over 123 and his best score of 36, picking just two wickets at an average of 35.50. In the T20WC, he made 24 runs in three innings and took just one wicket.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, I think KKR's management is in a tough spot. The back injury is clearly a factor—he's not bowling either. Maybe a couple of games off to fully recover is better than forcing him to play tentatively at the top.
A
Ananya R
Yaar, it's so frustrating to watch! He was a beast for MI. Now he looks like he's playing with fear. KKR needs to decide quickly—either back him fully at #3 or give him a proper break. This middle ground isn't helping anyone.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I disagree with Finch. The team comes first. If he's not performing, you have to make the tough call. We have talented Indian players waiting on the bench. Sentiment can't win you the IPL. He needs to earn his spot back.
K
Karthik V
The pressure of that price tag is real. Every failure gets magnified. Hope the KKR support staff is working on his mental game as much as his physical recovery. Class is permanent, he'll come good.
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Michael C
His recent international form hasn't been great either. Maybe it's a broader dip in form, not just an IPL thing. Batting up the order might expose him more if he's not confident. Tough one for the think tank.

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