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Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting delivered a frank assessment of Cameron Green’s international trajectory, highlighting the versatile player’s struggles in the current context. Ashes Series despite its blockbuster IPL2026 acquisition.
Green, grabbed by Calcutta Knights Riders (KKR) for a record ₹25.20 crore as the most expensive foreign player in IPL history, managed just 76 runs and two wickets from three Tests as Australia won the series early. Ponting’s remarks, shared during an ICC review, highlight the gap between Green’s potential and his current production, even if his unique skills keep him in the selectors’ plans.
Ricky Ponting sheds light on Cameron Green’s modest career numbers
Green, 26, made his Test cricket debut five years ago against India in Adelaide, amassing 1,641 runs at an average of 32.82 from 35 matches, including two centuries, while taking 37 wickets. His notable knocks include a 114 in Ahmedabad in the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and an unbeaten 174 in Wellington in March 2024, which propelled Australia to a 172-run victory over New Zealand. However, Ponting noted that Green’s home average fell below 30, limited impact on bowling after back surgery and only two hundreds in over 30 Tests, making him “quite difficult to gauge him as an international player.“
Ponting praised Green’s “very complete package” during the shot, citing its value in the locker room where the players and coaches were”I love what he brings to the group.” Yet he identified inconsistency as the central problem, 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, who Ponting called “unhappy player” this summer after strong national performances.
IPL 2026 expectations and Ponting’s advice for green recovery
KKR’s mega-bid for Green at the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi surpassed Mitchell Starc’s previous overseas record of ₹24.75 crore, with bidding wars involving Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals., and Chennai Super Kings before KKR sealed the deal from a base price of ₹2 crore. Although Green takes home ₹18 crore after BCCI player development deductions, KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar sees him as a prime anchor to replace. Andrew Russellaiming for 500 points in the top three thanks to his power play prowess. Anil Kumble approved of this strategy, suggesting Green the third spot for finishing duties given KKR’s depth in Rinku Singh and Rovman Powell.
Green’s IPL tally stands at 707 runs and 16 wickets in 29 matches against Mumbai Indians (2023) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2024), although he skipped the 2025 IPL while recovering from back surgery. Fully cleared to bowl now, his all-round skillset fits perfectly with KKR’s balance needs, especially after Russell. Ponting reacted to the auction buzz with surprise…”Over ₹25 crores…that’s a lot of money!“…but he supported Green’s long-term advantage if he commits to a method.
Ponting advised Green during the ICC review: “Keep things as simple as possible, think about what you have done in domestic cricket and take your domestic game to the Test match and save it for a while..”
He believes exposure at the highest level will refine Green, predicting patience from the selectors given more than 30 Tests invested. As Green eyes redemption in Boxing Day Test and IPL glory, Ponting’s measured criticism highlights the pressure on the ₹25.20-crore star to ensure consistency across formats. The faith of his Australian teammates and the vision of KKR are testament to their conviction, but Green’s evolution is based on mastering simplicity in the face of high stakes.
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