Intro
Board confirms injury management plan, expects all-rounder to resume bowling soon
Mumbai
Cricket Australia has clarified that Cameron Green is currently unable to bowl due to a managed back injury, following comments by Ajinkya Rahane that stirred speculation during the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026.
The clarification came after Rahane, leading Kolkata Knight Riders, deflected queries about Green’s absence with the ball in their opening match against Mumbai Indians, saying, “Ask Cricket Australia.” His remark triggered questions over the Australian all-rounder’s fitness and availability.
In response, Cricket Australia stated that Green is dealing with a lower back issue that is being carefully managed. “He is currently rebuilding his bowling workload in India and is expected to return to bowling in around 10 to 12 days,” a CA spokesperson said, adding that KKR management has been fully informed of the situation.
Green’s bowling workload has been limited since undergoing surgery for a stress fracture, which kept him away from competitive bowling for nearly a year between September 2024 and October 2025. Even after returning, his contributions with the ball have remained minimal, with his last competitive outing coming earlier this year in a T20 World Cup match where he bowled just two overs.
KKR had invested heavily in Green, signing him for ₹25.20 crore at the auction, making him their marquee overseas acquisition. However, his inability to bowl has affected the team’s balance, particularly in their opening game at Wankhede Stadium, where they struggled to defend a total of 220.
Rahane acknowledged the challenge, admitting that the side is still searching for the right combination. He expressed hope that Green’s return to bowling would provide more flexibility to the lineup.
Despite the setback, Rahane backed his relatively inexperienced bowling attack to improve, calling the match a “learning curve” as KKR look to regroup in the tournament.
