Calcutta: Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Abhishek Nayar has reiterated the franchise’s strong belief in Cameron Green ahead of the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Thursday, April 2, stressing that despite initial challenges, the Australian all-rounder remains an important part of their long-term vision.
Ahead of the clash, Nayar stressed that KKR’s auction strategy was based on long-term values rather than short-term returns. “From an auction strategy perspective, the idea is never short-term. You look at what a player has done consistently over the years and what his overall skillset is. For us, Cameron Green has been extremely important as a cricketer and all-rounder and we continue to believe in what he can offer at his best,” he said.
Nayar emphasized that the team’s belief in its players remains unbroken. He referred to the example of Varun Chakravarthy and highlighted the positive environment within the team. “There will be times when things don’t go your way, be it as an individual or as a team. But the belief within the group remains strong. Be it someone like Varun, who we believe is in a very good mental state, the focus is always on staying positive and supporting our players,” he added.
Nayar also touched on the evolution of T20 cricket, noting that adaptability and clarity in decision-making was crucial for the format. “T20 cricket is constantly evolving. Decisions depend on what the team needs at that moment. There is 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 unpredictability of sport and the role of home support. “The beauty of cricket is its unpredictability. Whether it’s the pitch, the situation or the opponent, you embrace it. While there is always debate about the conditions, for us the biggest advantage is the support of our fans. A good cricket wicket offers balance and our job is to perform regardless of the surface.”
