Cricket Australia responds to Ajinkya Rahane’s query over Cameron Green not bowling vs MI, confirming the all-rounder is managing a back injury.
Kolkata Knight Riders' Cameron Green plays a shot during the Indian Premier League 2026 match between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, March 29, 2026. (Photo: IANS)
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane’s post-match remark questioning the absence of Cameron Green with the ball has now received a response from Cricket Australia.
Following KKR’s heavy defeat to Mumbai Indians in their Indian Premier League 2026 opener, Rahane had suggested that only Cricket Australia could explain why Green did not bowl during the match.
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The Australian board has now clarified that the all-rounder is currently managing a lower back injury and has been advised not to bowl for the initial phase of the tournament.
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“Cameron has a lower back injury which is being managed but requires him to abstain from bowling for a short period. He is currently rebuilding his bowling loads in India with a view to return in around 10–12 days’ time. KKR has been communicated with and is fully aware of this information,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.
KKR were left searching for answers during the game as their bowling attack struggled to contain MI’s dominant chase. Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton put on a commanding 148-run opening stand, effectively taking the game away within the first 10 overs as MI chased down 221 with six wickets and five balls to spare.
Despite being acquired for a massive ₹25.20 crore as a key all-round option, Green was not used with the ball, leaving KKR short of a crucial bowling resource on a batting-friendly surface.
Making his debut for KKR, Green batted at No. 3 and contributed 18 off 10 balls, but his inability to bowl added to the team’s challenges on the day.
The situation further compounds KKR’s concerns, with injuries already affecting their pace attack, including setbacks to Harshit Rana and Matheesha Pathirana, while Mustafizur Rahman is no longer part of the squad.
If KKR continue to follow Cricket Australia’s workload plan, Green is unlikely to bowl in the first few matches of the season and may feature purely as a specialist batter against upcoming opponents like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants until he receives clearance.
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