Kamal Ghorui
Former Australia captain Greg Chappell has raised concerns about the batting form of all-rounder Cameron Green ahead of the IPL 2026 season, saying the youngster is not moving freely at the crease.Green is set to play for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after being signed for Rs 25.20 crore. Despite scoring a century in the Sheffield Shield against New South Wales, Chappell said there are concerns around his overall batting rhythm.As quoted by SEN Cricket, Chappell said Green’s bowling workload may be affecting his batting, and added that his progress will depend on his decision-making and support system.“Bowling has impacted his batting. He can still be one of the great all-rounders of the game because he has the talent, but (it depends on) whether he has got the decision making, the mental skills to go with it, whether he’s getting the best advice on where he is going,” Chappell said.“I saw a very athletic young batsman with a beautiful setup and able to move in any direction, and now I see a batsman who is stuck at the crease, who cannot move, cannot use his athleticism, cannot use his reach to score runs,” he added.Green had a difficult T20 World Cup, scoring 24 runs in three innings, including two single-digit scores, and picking up one wicket. He was under pressure to justify his price tag and secure his place in Australia’s plans.In the series against Pakistan before the World Cup, which Australia lost 3-0, Green scored 93 runs in three innings at an average of 31.00 and a strike rate above 124, with a highest score of 36.His Test record also shows modest returns. Green has scored 1,736 runs in 37 Tests and 59 innings at an average of 32.75, with two centuries and seven fifties. His last century came two years ago in New Zealand, where he scored 174* batting at number four.During the recent home Ashes against England, he managed 171 runs in eight innings at an average of 24.42, with a highest score of 45. At home, his Test average stands at 28.96 after 20 matches, with four fifties in 31 innings.
