Rahane tells reporters to ask Cricket Australia as Green bowling row erupts at KKR
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane did not hold back when asked about Cameron Green's absence from the bowling attack during Sunday's six-wicket defeat to Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.
"That question you need to ask Cricket Australia"
Green, who cost KKR a record 25.20 crore at the IPL auction, batted in the middle order but did not send down a single delivery as Mumbai Indians chased 221 in 19.1 overs. When a journalist pressed Rahane on why his most expensive overseas signing was not bowling, the skipper's reply was pointed: "That question you need to ask Cricket Australia."
The comment forced Cricket Australia into a public clarification within hours. A CA spokesperson confirmed that Green is managing a lower back injury and is currently rebuilding his bowling loads in India. CA added that KKR had been "fully informed" about the restrictions before the tournament began and that Green is expected to return to bowling in 10 to 12 days.
A familiar story for Green's body
Green, 26, has battled repeated back problems throughout his career. He underwent surgery for a fifth stress fracture in his lower back in October 2024 and spent around six months away from competitive cricket before returning through county cricket in April 2025. His bowling has been carefully managed since, and the fact that CA is still controlling his workload more than a year later speaks to how serious the issue remains.
For KKR, the timing could hardly be worse. Harshit Rana is out for the entire IPL with a knee ligament strain, and Akash Deep has been ruled out for the entire IPL season after a lower back stress reaction. Matheesha Pathirana is recovering from a calf problem and is not expected back until mid-April. That leaves Rahane relying on Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik and Blessing Muzarabani to carry the pace attack in the early rounds.
25.20 crore and counting
The frustration in Rahane's voice was understandable. KKR invested heavily in Green's all-round ability, and getting a pure batter for that price is a very different proposition. Former India internationals have already weighed in, with several suggesting KKR deserve a partial refund if Green cannot fulfil the role they paid for.
CA's position is that Green's bowling will come back, just not yet. Franchises have heard that before. The all-rounder's talent is not in question, but the price tag, the injury history and the public finger-pointing between captain and national board have turned what should be a managed comeback into a storyline that will follow KKR for weeks.
KKR's next match is against Sunrisers Hyderabad later this week. Whether Green bowls in it will say more than any press conference.
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