Cameron Green seems to be filling the void left by Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard for Mumbai Indians: Irfan Pathan

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has praised the Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Cameron Green. The Australian has been crucial for the Mumbai franchise after making a slow start to the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). He has scored 199 runs in MI's seven matches at an average of 49.75. He has also picked five wickets for the five-time IPL champions this season.

Green, according to Pathan, has filled the void left by all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard in the Rohit Sharma-led side. Pandya and Pollard were significant players for MI over the years, playing important roles in their title-winning campaigns.

Notably, Hardik was released ahead of the 2022 edition of the IPL and later became captain of Gujarat Titans (GT). Pollard announced his IPL retirement ahead of the mini-auction in December 2022 in Kochi and is serving as the batting coach of Mumbai this season.

"Cameron Green has so far justified his price tag. Green can be a horse of long race for MI. After the departure of Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard, MI need an all-rounder and Green seems to be filling the void," Pathan said while speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live.

Earlier, the 38-year-old former cricketer praised Green, tipping the Australian all-rounder to be the game's next superstar. He stated that Green is a talented player and that the world will see more of him as he is improving his game every day.

"Cameron Green is going to be the next superstar in world cricket. He's a talented player and we are going to see more of him because he is raising his game with every passing day," said Pathan.

The five-time IPL champions bought the Australian all-rounder for a whopping INR 17.50 crore ahead of the 2023 season. He made his IPL debut against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing season.