KOLKATA: Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane has raised concerns over the availability of Australian all-rounder Cameron Green after his team’s defeat in the IPL 2026 season opener against Mumbai Indians.
Green, who became the most expensive overseas player in Indian Premier League history after being bought for $2.7 million in the IPL auction 2026, was unable to bowl due to a reported back injury. His absence as a bowling option proved costly as Mumbai Indians successfully chased down a massive 220-run target at Wankhede Stadium with five balls remaining.
Batting at number three, Cameron Green showed glimpses of his power-hitting ability, scoring 18 runs off just 10 balls, including a four and a six. However, his limited role in the match sparked questions, especially given his reputation as a pace-bowling all-rounder in T20 cricket.
When asked why Green was not used with the ball, Rahane responded sharply, suggesting that the matter should be directed to Cricket Australia. His comment has since drawn attention, highlighting communication gaps regarding player fitness and workload management in franchise cricket.
Cricket Australia later confirmed that Cameron Green is dealing with a lower back injury and has been advised to avoid bowling temporarily. According to officials, the 26-year-old is currently rebuilding his bowling workload in India and is expected to return as a full all-rounder within 10 to 12 days.
Green has been under careful monitoring since undergoing back surgery in 2024, with his appearances managed across formats. He had minimal bowling involvement during the T20 World Cup 2026 and also featured primarily as a batter in recent domestic matches.
Rahane acknowledged the challenges faced by Kolkata Knight Riders due to injuries within the squad but remained optimistic. He stated that such situations provide opportunities for other players to step up and perform on the big stage in IPL 2026.
The incident has reignited discussions around player fitness, injury management, and communication between national boards and IPL franchises during high-profile tournaments.
