Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has slammed KKR's decision to send Cameron Green to bat at no. 6 during the side's chase of 192 in their IPL match against Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday at MA Chidambaram Stadium. Finch pointed out that Green was sent in at a time when two spinners were operating despite the presence of experienced stars in the dugout. Meanwhile, Australia all-rounder Green endured another disappointing outing, registering a golden duck as his side crashed to a fourth straight defeat in the tournament. Green, who is the most expensive overseas player, has failed to live up to the expectations, making no effective contributions.
"When you've got as much experience in that dugout, you think that they'd be at least making the right calls at the right time. To Cameron Green batting at No. 6, that's an unusual position for him. I don't think he's done that a huge amount in T20 cricket," Finch said on ESPNCricinfo's TimeOut.
"Starting against two spinners [Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad], he only lasted one ball. But that's his worst nightmare, walking out to bat [against spin], particularly in a run chase.”
So far, Green has managed scores of 18, 2, 4, 32* and 0, respectively, repeatedly failing to stitch together a match-winning performance. Finch, on the other hand, felt that it is not important to slot a player into the XI based on the price tag.
"I don't think you ever pick a team on price tags. That would be really ignorant to do that. Because buying at the auction is a supply and demand of a skill set that you bring. It's not about, well, we have to play this guy because we paid this much for him. He's playing out of position. His best numbers have been at the top of the order,” Finch said.
Kolkata Knight Riders are reeling at the bottom of the points table with no victory. They are scheduled to meet Gujarat Titans in their next match on Friday.