DC vs KKR IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders' all-rounder Cameron Green stressed they maintained unwavering belief despite a poor campaign start and attributed their recent victories to achieving the right balance and combinations. Positioned at the bottom of the points table for much of the season, the Kolkata franchise kept playoff hopes alive by clinching four consecutive wins, including an eight-wicket triumph against Delhi Capitals on Friday. "The belief was never gone," Green told reporters at the post-match press conference.
"We've built a strong culture throughout the tournament. Even before our first win, the team's spirit remained high," he added. KKR spinners dismantled the hosts for 142 runs, and Finn Allen alone secured victory with a match-winning knock of 100 runs off 47 balls.
"We've battled fiercely to get back into contention, and our bowlers have excelled throughout. Today was another outstanding performance," he said. Green explained that Kolkata took time to identify ideal team compositions and batting roles.
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"The team was working to find the optimal combination and batting order to suit everyone best. It took a few games to resolve, but it was for the team's benefit and mine. We're in a much better position now," he added. He faced criticism early in the season for not having clearance from Cricket Australia to bowl.
"The support staff placed no additional pressure on me; they've been supportive since day one. I never felt singled out compared to anyone else. International players always feel expectations, as only four can play at any time. Performance is crucial because replacements are ready. Thanks to the staff, I've felt no undue pressure," he said. Although he has resumed bowling, he has yet to bowl a full four overs, insisting it is not a fitness issue.
"I'm fully prepared to bowl four overs. Given our team's composition, Anukul (Roy) contributes effectively with 1 or 2 overs, so I usually bowl 2 or 3, which is a significant advantage. Having a left-arm all-rounder bowling in the middle gives us flexibility; I can bowl in the powerplay, the death overs, or the middle overs. Our team has six reliable bowlers. Anukul and I support each other to cover the overs," he said.
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Green dismissed KL Rahul and then played a determined knock of 33 runs. He watched Allen's explosive innings from the non-striker's end, witnessing 10 sixes in a match-winning effort.
"I wasn't surprised by his performance tonight. Finn was outstanding today. He's consistently provided strong starts for us. That's precisely why he's on the team. He's among the best at applying pressure. When he gets to 30 or 40, he's tough to dismiss; he keeps attacking without hesitation," he concluded. The Ajinkya Rahane-led side next faces the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 13th May.