Cameron Green's Bowling Absence Sparks Controversy in IPL 2026

Cameron Green's absence from bowling during the IPL 2026 match against Mumbai Indians has sparked controversy, with KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane pointing fingers at Cricket Australia. Despite contributing as a batsman, Green's limited role has raised questions about KKR's strategy. Cricket Australia clarified that Green is managing a lower back injury, preventing him from bowling. Acquired for a record sum, his absence could impact KKR's performance in upcoming matches. As the team navigates this situation, fans are left wondering about Green's return to full all-round duties.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 30, 2026, 13:31 IST

Cricket Australia Responds to KKR's Concerns

Cricket Australia (CA) addressed comments made by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane regarding the absence of Australian all-rounder Cameron Green from bowling during the IPL 2026 match against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on March 29.

Despite KKR's loss to MI by six wickets in their first match, Green's limited role as a batsman raised eyebrows. The 26-year-old managed to score 18 runs off 10 balls, including a six and a four, achieving a strike rate of 180, which contributed to KKR's total of 220/4 in 20 overs. However, his failure to bowl any overs led to questions about KKR's game strategy.

Rahane's Comments on Green's Bowling

In a post-match interview, Rahane was questioned about Green's lack of bowling. He promptly shifted the responsibility to Cricket Australia, stating, "You need to ask Cricket Australia."

Cricket Australia's Clarification on Green's Condition

Rahane's remarks prompted a quick response from Cricket Australia. A spokesperson clarified that Green is managing a lower back injury, which currently prevents him from bowling, and emphasized that KKR is "fully aware" of his situation.

"Cameron has a lower back injury that requires him to refrain from bowling temporarily," the spokesperson informed Cricket.com.au. "He is currently working on rebuilding his bowling loads in India, aiming for a return in about 10-12 days."

Green's Recent Bowling History

Cameron Green has limited his bowling since recovering from a significant back injury, which has affected his ability to bowl extensively in the IPL. During the Ashes 2025-26, he bowled only 61.5 overs across nine innings, averaging around 6.5 overs per innings. In the T20 World Cup 2026, he bowled just 3.1 overs in five matches.

Cameron Green's IPL Auction and Future Matches

Acquired for an impressive INR 25.2 crore by KKR during the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Green became the most expensive overseas player and the third overall in IPL history, following Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer.

At the auction, Green was mistakenly registered as a batter instead of an all-rounder, a mix-up he later attributed to a 'manager error.' His absence from bowling in KKR's opening match against MI proved detrimental, as MI successfully chased down the 221-run target with six wickets remaining, highlighting KKR's need for additional bowling options.

Green is not expected to bowl in the upcoming matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings on April 2 and 6, respectively, as he is still in recovery. His potential return to bowling in KKR's fourth match against Lucknow Super Giants on April 9 remains uncertain, with close monitoring by team management and Cricket Australia.