Cameron Green Sets New IPL Auction Record with KKR Deal

Record-Breaking Bidding War at the IPL 2026 Auction

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green attracted intense attention at the IPL 2026 auction as Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings engaged in a fierce bidding contest. As expected, franchises went all out for the towering match-winner, reflecting his immense value in modern T20 cricket. The bidding eventually ended with KKR securing Green for a staggering Rs 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas player ever bought in IPL history.

Surpassing Previous Auction Records

Green’s price eclipsed the earlier record held by fellow Australian Mitchell Starc, who was purchased by KKR for Rs 24.75 crore during the IPL 2024 auction. With this landmark deal, Green also became the third most expensive player overall in IPL auction history, trailing only Rishabh Pant, who was signed by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 27 crore, and Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer, who fetched Rs 26.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction.

CSK Withdraws as KKR Crosses Rs 25 Crore

Once the bidding crossed the Rs 25 crore mark, Chennai Super Kings opted to step back, allowing KKR to seal the deal. However, former CSK player Ravichandran Ashwin later suggested that the Chennai-based franchise may have missed an opportunity by not pushing harder for Green.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s Take on the Auction Strategy

Sharing insights on his show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin revealed that mock auction simulations had indicated Green was unlikely to breach the Rs 30 crore mark. He believed that had KKR shown more patience during the bidding process, similar to the approach taken by some other franchises, the dynamics could have shifted.

Ashwin also felt that CSK’s bidding appeared driven more by need than genuine intent. According to him, the franchise did not seem fully convinced about acquiring Green and might have exited earlier if the auction had unfolded differently.

A Generational Talent and a Major Boost for KKR

Despite questioning CSK’s approach, Ashwin emphasized that the discussion was not about the price tag. He described Cameron Green as a generational talent and praised KKR for securing a player who can influence matches with both bat and ball. From KKR’s perspective, Green represents a long-term asset capable of transforming their squad balance.

Green’s IPL Journey So Far

Cameron Green has previously represented Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are the defending champions. He missed the IPL 2025 season due to back surgery, but his fitness recovery and proven pedigree ensured his stock remained sky-high heading into the 2026 auction.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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