Cameron Green: From Battling a Life-Threatening Disease to Becoming IPL’s Most Expensive Buy

When Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for a staggering ₹25.20 crore in the IPL 2026 auction, the cricket world was left stunned. But behind the record-breaking price lies an inspiring story of a warrior who has been fighting chronic kidney disease (CKD) since childhood.

Born with this severe and incurable condition, Green defied all odds. In 2024, while playing for RCB, he revealed that doctors had warned his parents he might not survive beyond 10 years of age. Recalling that traumatic period, Green said his parents felt immense relief when he celebrated his 10th birthday as a healthy child. His mother reportedly wept upon reading his medical reports, realizing that CKD has no permanent cure and the kidneys can never fully recover.

Strict Diet and Training Regimen
Competing at the highest level as a professional all-rounder—batting, fast bowling, and fielding—places enormous stress on the body. For Green, this challenge is magnified due to his delicate health. He maintains a strict diet with extremely low protein and salt intake, as even minor deviations could severely impact his kidneys. During every match and training session, he is closely monitored by dietitians and medical experts. His father, himself a former all-rounder, has been a constant guide and mentor, ensuring Green’s rigorous practice regimen.

Priceless Determination
KKR invested heavily in Green not just for his explosive batting and impactful bowling, capable of turning matches in an instant, but for the inspiration his journey represents. Green has become a role model for millions worldwide facing serious health challenges. His story proves that physical limitations cannot stand in the way of big dreams when guided by discipline, expert support, and an indomitable spirit.

Cameron Green’s journey is a testament to courage, perseverance, and triumph over adversity, making him more valuable than any IPL price tag could ever reflect.