Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has delivered a candid evaluation of Cameron Green’s international trajectory, highlighting the all-rounder’s struggles in the ongoing Ashes series despite his blockbuster IPL 2026 acquisition.
Green, snapped up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a record ₹25.20 crore as the most expensive overseas player in IPL history, has managed just 76 runs and two wickets across three Tests as Australia clinched the series early. Ponting’s remarks, shared during an ICC Review, underscore the gap between Green’s potential and his current output, even as his unique skill set keeps him in selectors’ plans.
Ricky Ponting highlights modest career numbers of Cameron Green
The 26-year-old Green debuted in Test cricket five years ago against India in Adelaide, accumulating 1,641 runs at an average of 32.82 across 35 matches, including two centuries, while claiming 37 wickets. His standout knocks include a gritty 114 in Ahmedabad during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and an unbeaten 174 in Wellington in March 2024, which powered Australia to a 172-run victory over New Zealand. However, Ponting noted Green’s home average dipping under 30, limited bowling impact post-back surgery, and only two hundreds in over 30 Tests, making it “quite hard to get a gauge on him yet as an international player.“
Ponting praised Green’s “very complete package” when firing, citing his value in the dressing room where players and coaches “absolutely love what he brings to the group.” Yet, he pinpointed inconsistency as the core issue, urging the deep thinker to simplify his approach rather than constantly tinkering. This comes amid Australia’s persistence with Green at No. 7, sidelining competitors like Beau Webster, whom Ponting called the “unfortunate player” this summer after strong domestic showings.
IPL 2026 expectations and Ponting’s advice for Green turnaround
KKR’s mega bid for Green at the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi outstripped Mitchell Starc’s previous overseas record of ₹24.75 crore, with bidding wars involving Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings before KKR sealed the deal from a ₹2 crore base price. Though Green takes home ₹18 crore after BCCI’s player development deductions, KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar views him as a top-order anchor to replace Andre Russell, targeting 500 runs from the top three with his powerplay prowess. Anil Kumble endorsed this strategy, suggesting Green at No. 3 over finishing duties given KKR’s depth in Rinku Singh and Rovman Powell.
Green’s IPL track record stands at 707 runs and 16 wickets in 29 matches across Mumbai Indians (2023) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2024), though he skipped IPL 2025 recovering from back surgery. Fully cleared to bowl now, his all-round skills align perfectly with KKR’s needs for balance, especially post-Russell. Ponting reacted to the auction buzz with surprise—”Over ₹25 crore… it’s a lot of money!“—but backed Green’s long-term upside if he commits to a method.
Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Salary of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) players; check out how much Rinku Singh and Cameron Green earn
Ponting’s advised Green in ICC review, “Keep things as simple as you can, think about what you’ve done at domestic cricket and take your domestic game to the Test match and back it in for a while.”
He believes exposure at the highest level will refine Green, predicting selectors’ patience given 30-plus Tests invested. As Green eyes redemption in the Boxing Day Test and IPL glory, Ponting’s measured critique spotlights the pressure on the ₹25.20 crore star to deliver consistency across formats. Australian teammates’ faith and KKR’s vision signal belief, but Green’s evolution hinges on mastering simplicity amid high stakes.
Also READ: From Cameron Green to Josh Inglis: Top 10 most expensive buys at IPL 2026 Auction
