Kolkata Knight Riders could finally get a timely boost in IPL 2026 as Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is edging closer to making his bowling comeback when the three-time champions take on Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday. Green, who has been sidelined from bowling so far this season due to back surgery, has been steadily increasing his workload in the nets, and his latest sessions suggest he may be ready to contribute with the ball in a competitive match.
In the build-up to KKR’s game against Punjab Kings on Monday, Green bowled at full intensity on the eve of the fixture. He then managed a few overs during Tuesday’s training session as well, though practice was cut short by a thunderstorm. Ahead of the LSG clash, Green spent more than half an hour in the nets with clear intent to prepare, but another bout of severe weather—this time with strong winds and heavy rain—again forced an early end to the session.
With over 10 days now passed since Cricket Australia delivered an advisory that Green would return to bowling “in around 10-12 days,” the all-rounder’s progression appears to be moving in the right direction. That timeline, combined with his recent workload in training, has raised expectations that he could take his place among the match-day bowling options for KKR.
Green’s absence as a bowler has also had an impact on KKR’s overall team balance, particularly as several key choices have been unavailable. Mustafizur Rahman has been withdrawn, while Harshit Rana and Akash Deep are sidelined with injuries, leaving the franchise with a thinner bowling pool to manage throughout the season.
KKR’s challenge has been heightened by the fact that their previous outing versus Punjab Kings was disrupted early, with the match abandoned after just 3.4 overs. In that abandoned game, they were already missing both of their leading spin options: Sunil Narine, who was dealing with abdominal pain, and Varun Chakravarthy, who had a hand injury.
Narine has since recovered and is expected to return. Chakravarthy, though, remains a question mark, with his comeback still not fully confirmed. During training, the India spinner was seen with his fingers strapped as he worked indoors, offering a visual reminder of the issues he has been managing.
Chakravarthy has also been going through a difficult phase with the ball, having not taken a wicket in his first two matches of the season. Meanwhile, Green’s batting form has drawn attention as well, with scores of 18, 2 and 4 across his three appearances so far.
Despite the scrutiny around his recent performances and the disruption caused by fitness and weather, KKR have continued to back their marquee overseas signing. If Green is able to return as a bowling option, it could help relieve pressure on both departments for the reigning champions as the tournament continues.
