Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan expects Kolkata Knight Riders to aggressively chase Cameron Green at the IPL 2026 mini auction as they reshape their squad after Andre Russell’s retirement.
Pathan feels Green fits the bill as a near like-for-like overseas replacement for Russell, thanks to his ability to influence games with both bat and ball across phases.
With the auction set for December 16, Green has emerged as one of the most talked-about names, especially given the void Russell has left at KKR.
Pathan said KKR’s strong purse gives them the freedom to go big for a player of Green’s profile. He believes Green’s impact is not limited to the lower order and that his top-order batting adds extra value.
“Cameron Green is a high-class all-rounder, and with a big budget going into the auction, KKR are likely to go after him,” Pathan said.
“With Andre Russell no longer in the picture, Green could serve as a near-similar option, offering impact with both bat and ball, even if he bats in the top order,” he added.
KKR head into the mini auction with the highest remaining purse of around INR 64.30 crore, putting them in a strong position to outbid rivals for marquee overseas names.
Pathan also feels Chennai Super Kings could show interest in Green as they look to strengthen their overseas core for the coming season.
“I also see Chennai Super Kings being interested in his services,” Pathan said, pointing to CSK’s tendency to back proven all-rounders.
Alongside Green, Pathan highlighted Daryl Mitchell as another valuable overseas option in this auction cycle, especially for teams playing on slow and spin-friendly surfaces.
Mitchell’s strong record against spin and his calm approach make him well-suited for conditions like Chennai, where shot selection and patience often decide matches.
“Daryl Mitchell is a top-class overseas batter who has consistently performed well against spin,” Pathan said.
He explained that CSK’s earlier investment of around INR 14 crore in Mitchell showed how highly teams value batters who can handle turning tracks.
“His ease on slow and turning surfaces, particularly in Chennai-like conditions, enhances his chances,” Pathan added.
With experience across international cricket and top leagues, Mitchell brings the composure teams expect from a reliable overseas batter.