Kolkata Knight Riders’ Cameron Green, right, and captain Ajinkya Rahane (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

cameron green Bowling in the nets has fast become a major talking point ahead of Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad. This comes just days after the Australian all-rounder did not bowl in KKR’s opening defeat. Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, where the team failed to defend 221 runs and concerns were raised over their bowling balance.The situation escalated after KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane He was asked about Green’s absence with the ball and he replied, “That’s a question you need to ask Cricket Australia.” He also acknowledged that Green’s bowling would bring balance to the team, which seemed like a tactical call in a wider debate about workload management, franchise planning and the influence of national boards during the IPL. Cricket Australia soon clarified its stance, saying there was no last-minute restriction. He said that Green is struggling with a lower back problem and is gradually increasing his bowling workload. The franchise was reportedly aware of the plan before the tournament began, with an estimated timeline of 10 to 12 days set for his return as a bowling option. This shifted the story from confusion to careful rehabilitation. In that backdrop, Green’s bowling in the nets assumes significance. This does not confirm that he will immediately resume full duties in matches, but it signals progress after a week in which the issue threatened to derail KKR’s campaign. For the player who was signed for a huge sum of ₹25.20 crore in the IPL 2026 auction, expectations are naturally focused on his complete all-round contribution rather than just his batting. Time is important for KKR. Green was brought in to provide balance in the departments, and his absence as a bowler in the opening games exposed a gap which the opposition took advantage of. The debate that followed also raised a larger question about how much control franchises actually have over high-value players when fitness and workload are being monitored externally. At present the situation seems to be progressing. The controversy started when Green did not bowl when KKR needed options, intensified with Rahane’s public comments and has entered a more optimistic phase now that the all-rounder is back practicing with the ball. Whether this translates into match overs in the coming games remains to be seen, but it has at least eased the initial pressure surrounding one of KKR’s biggest signings.