Cameron Green [Source: AP Photos]Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have made a stunning comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). At the beginning of the tournament, the team struggled badly and failed to win even a single match in their first six games. However, things have changed dramatically in recent weeks. Under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane, KKR have now won four matches in a row. Because of this winning streak, they have climbed to the seventh spot in the points table and are once again in the race for the playoffs.Cameron Green Included In Australia's ODI SquadAlthough KKR’s form has improved, there has been major confusion regarding Cameron Green and whether he will leave KKR before the IPL 2026 playoffs to join Australia’s ODI squad for the Pakistan series.Notably, the Knight Riders had bought the Australian all-rounder for a huge amount of ₹25.20 crore, expecting Cameron Green to play an important role for the team throughout the tournament.However, Cricket Australia has selected Cameron Green for Australia’s ODI squad against Pakistan.Australia Announce Squad For Pakistan ODI SeriesOn Monday, CA announced the squads for Australia’s upcoming ODI and T20I series against Pakistan and Bangladesh. Notably, Australia will play three ODI matches against Pakistan from May 30 to June 4. Interestingly, the IPL 2026 final is scheduled for May 31, which means the series will clash with the final stages of the tournament.Apart from Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh and Nathan Ellis will also miss the IPL for their respective franchises because they have been selected for the ODI squad.It is important to note that Cameron Green has been an important player for KKR this season. So far, he has scored 232 runs in 10 innings. In addition, Cameron Green has also contributed with the ball by taking four wickets in six innings. Will Cameron Green Leave IPL For Pakistan Tour?However, it is important to note that Cricket Australia confirmed that only those Australian IPL players whose teams are either already out of the playoff race or are unlikely to qualify for the IPL finals have been selected for the ODI series against Pakistan beginning later this month.This indicates that Australia’s selectors currently believe KKR are unlikely to reach the IPL final stages. However, the statement does not clearly confirm that Green will definitely leave if KKR qualify for the playoffs.Therefore, if KKR manage to enter the playoffs or even reach the IPL final, Cricket Australia could allow Green to stay back in India for the remainder of the tournament before linking up with the national squad later.Also Read: Dhruv Jurel Outfoxes Cameron Green With Never Seen Before Stumping In IPLHow KKR Can Still Reach The PlayoffsEven though the situation is challenging, KKR still have a strong chance of qualifying for the IPL 2026 playoffs. The simplest way is to continue their current winning momentum.In the IPL’s 10-team format, 16 points are usually enough to secure a playoff spot. Moreover, KKR already have an extra point due to an earlier washout against Punjab Kings. Because of that, they can finish with a maximum of 17 points.For this to happen, KKR must win all four of their remaining matches. Their upcoming fixtures are against RCB, Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, and Delhi Capitals.However, if KKR lose even one match, things could become complicated. In that case, they can only reach 15 points, and qualification may depend on NRR and results from other teams. At present, KKR’s NRR stands at -0.169, although their recent big victory over Delhi Capitals has improved it slightly.Also Read: Punjab Kings Seek Top-2 Comeback Against Depleted Delhi Capitals
