Ever since the IPL 2026 campaign kicked off, one question has kept circling back in Kolkata: when will Cameron Green finally start bowling for the Kolkata Knight Riders? The Australian all-rounder, purchased for INR 25.20 crore in the mini auction, has been taking longer than many expected to return to match action, sparking a public back-and-forth between KKR and Cricket Australia.
Quick facts
- Cameron Green was bought by KKR for INR 25.20 crore in the mini auction.
- KKR are scheduled to face Punjab Kings after the discussion around Green’s bowling continues.
- KKR bowling coach Tim Southee said Green is working hard in the nets and is expected to bowl soon.
- Ajinkya Rahane previously questioned why Green was not bowling, pointing at Cricket Australia.
- Cricket Australia responded by citing Green’s management of a back injury.
- The next KKR match versus PBKS is at Eden Gardens on Monday, April 6.
On Sunday, with KKR set to take on Punjab Kings, bowling coach Tim Southee addressed the issue directly. He said the 26-year-old is actively progressing in training and is working toward being ready to bowl in games, rather than simply clocking practice overs.
Earlier, after KKR’s defeat to the Mumbai Indians, skipper Ajinkya Rahane raised the matter and suggested Cricket Australia should be asked why Green wasn’t featuring as a bowler for the franchise. The criticism quickly drew a reply, with Cricket Australia stating that Green has been managing a back injury and that the side was already aware of his condition.
Green also did not bowl in KKR’s subsequent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Still, he has been building his workload in the nets, which has only intensified speculation about what the rest of his IPL plan could look like.
Southee on rehab, workload and match readiness
Southee, speaking at the pre-match press conference, stressed that the bowling return is part of an ongoing rehabilitation and ramp-up process. “Cameron’s been bowling well, tracking obviously his rehab and giving himself back to being able to bowl in games. He’ll continue to do that. We’re in regular contact with Cricket Australia, and I’m sure we’ll see Cameron bowling soon,” he said.
He added that the ability to bowl in competitive matches is not something that can be switched on instantly. “All of a sudden, you can can’t bowl in the game. That’s why he has been bowling in the nets; he has been working on getting his match-fitness ready, and that takes time. There is constant touch between us and Cricket Australia. I’m sure it’s not far before he starts bowling,” Southee further explained.
Can Green be left out?
With Green not yet delivering bowling overs in the tournament, there has been talk of KKR considering a change in the XI. Suggestions have included bringing in options such as Rovman Powell or Rachin Ravindra, and Sunil Gavaskar—known for his blunt assessments—also indicated that Green could be dropped if he is unable to contribute with the ball.
When asked whether Powell or Ravindra could come into the playing XI against PBKS, Southee played down any single-player “yes or no” decision. “You look at all the squads, there are so many good players that you can choose from,” he said. “There are discussions around what side you think is best to match up against the opposition and the venue, the ground that you’re playing at. So you look at all the overseas players, also the new talent system on the sideline, there’s so much talent in each of the squads that it’s hard to get the perfect equilibrium.”
He then clarified that KKR’s selection approach is shaped by the match-up and the conditions they expect to face. “But it’s the side we thought was best for those first two games, and as I said, we’ll plan for what we think we’re going to come up against tomorrow and pick the best team that we think is going to give us the best chance,” Southee concluded.
KKR’s fixture against Punjab Kings will be played at Eden Gardens on Monday, April 6.
