- Cameron Green set for bowling return boost
- KKR eye balance amid injury concerns
- Form dip raises questions after ₹25.20 crore IPL 2026 auction
Kolkata Knight Riders could receive a timely lift ahead of their clash with Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens on Thursday, with Cameron Green set to resume bowling duties after a brief injury layoff.
The potential bowling return boost arrives at a crucial moment for a side still searching for early momentum this season.
Injury layoff nearing its end for Cameron Green
The Australian all-rounder has not bowled in any of KKR’s opening fixtures this season, having featured purely as a batter in matches against Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Both outings ended in defeat, while their third encounter against Punjab Kings was curtailed by rain after just 3.4 overs. At the time, Cricket Australia had confirmed that Green was managing a lower-back concern and would temporarily step away from bowling as part of his recovery.
Now, more than ten days on from that update and with the tournament gathering pace, there is growing confidence within the KKR camp that Green is ready to return as a full all-round option in a competitive setting.
Cameron Green’s bowling return boost could ease KKR bowling crisis
His absence as a bowler has stretched Kolkata’s resources. The side has been forced to navigate a string of setbacks with Mustafizur Rahman withdrawn before the season began. Meanwhile injuries have also ruled out Harshit Rana and Akash Deep.
The situation was compounded further when Sunil Narine missed the previous fixture due to illness, and Varun Chakravarthy endured a dip in form.
Can Green restore balance to the XI?
A return to bowling would not only add depth but also restore balance to a side that has lacked flexibility in both departments.
Recent T20 form raises questions but hope remains
While Green’s return to bowling offers optimism, his recent T20 numbers point to a concerning dip in form. Across his last ten innings, he has recorded scores of 36, 35, 22, 21, 0, 3, DNB, 18, 2 and 4, a run that has raised questions given the expectations that followed his high-profile IPL auction signing.
Even so, Kolkata’s faith reflects the pedigree he brings. There remains a strong belief that his match-winning explosiveness can quickly resurface once he rediscovers rhythm.
Why KKR are backing their record signing
There remains, however, a sense that Kolkata invested in him for a reason. At his best, Green is an imposing presence capable of shifting momentum in a matter of overs, and a return to bowling could yet help unlock that familiar explosiveness.
Big-money signing under early scrutiny
Signed for a record fee of ₹25.20 crore at the auction, the Australian has so far managed modest returns of 18, 2 and 4 in his three innings this season, prompting discussion around his role in the side. Under IPL regulations, his contracted salary is capped at ₹18 crore.
Finch weighs in as pressure builds on Green
Former Australia captain Aaron Finch weighed in on the situation during ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show.
“One of those dismissals has been a run out [against SRH], not a part of his fault. Still, he’s missed out twice. There’s a bit of panic, he’s not looking the same as the past,” Finch said.
“Remember when he was at the top of the order for MI – how he had totally different intent. He was imposing at the crease. Now he looks tentative. Don’t push him down. Push him either up the order, or give him a rest.”
Cameron Green’s bowling return boost could unlock best version
KKR have so far deployed Green at No. 3 twice and once at No. 4, but with his bowling likely to return, the team may finally see the complete version of the high-value all-rounder they invested in.
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