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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Abhishek Nayar has reaffirmed the franchise's strong belief in Cameron Green ahead of their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Thursday, underlining that the Australian all-rounder remains a key part of their long-term vision despite early challenges.
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane earlier addressed a question regarding Green after the all-rounder did not bowl in the team's first match of the IPL, against Mumbai. Notably, KKR lost by six wickets despite scoring 220/4 in the first innings. During the post-match presentation, when asked why Green didn't bowl, Rahane had responded that the question should be asked to Cricket Australia. "That question you need to ask Cricket Australia," Ajinkya Rahane had said. Green, who was signed by KKR for a record Rs 25.20 crore, contributed a quick 18 off 10 balls with the bat, but didn't deliver any overs. Notably, a Cricket Australia (CA) spokesperson said on Monday that Green is currently managing a lower-back injury, according to ESPNCricinfo. Speaking on Wednesday, at the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against SRH, KKR coach Nayar emphasised that KKR's auction strategy is rooted in long-term value rather than short-term returns. "From an auction strategy point of view, the idea is never short-term. You look at what a player has consistently done over the years and the overall skill set he brings. For us, Cameron Green as a cricketer and an all-rounder was extremely important, and we continue to believe in what he can offer at his best," he said. Nayar maintained that the team's belief in its players remains unwavering. He pointed to the example of Varun Chakravarthy, highlighting the positive environment within the squad. "There will be phases where things don't go your way, whether it's an individual or the team. But the belief within the group remains strong. Whether it's someone like Varun, who we feel is in a very good mental space, the focus is always on staying positive and backing our players," he added. What looks like good news for the KKR franchise and the fans, Cameron Green was seen bowling in the nets ahead of the SRH clash. In a video uploaded by KKR on social media, Green can be seen bowling at full tilt in the nets. https://x.com/KKRiders/status/2039333172035690854?s=20 Nayar also touched upon the evolving nature of T20 cricket, suggesting that adaptability and clarity in decision-making are crucial in the format. "T20 cricket is constantly evolving. Decisions come down to what the team needs in that moment. There's no fixed right or wrong -- it's about clarity of thought and commitment to the team's approach," he noted. He concluded by reflecting on the unpredictable nature of the sport and the role of home support. "The beauty of cricket lies in its unpredictability. Whether it's the pitch, the situation, or the opposition, you embrace it. While there's always discussion around conditions, for us, the biggest advantage is the support of our fans. A good cricketing wicket is one that offers balance, and our job is to perform regardless of the surface." (ANI)
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