The second night of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 should have been about a high-scoring thriller at Wankhede on Sunday. Instead, it has turned into something far more uncomfortable for Kolkata Knight Riders, a debate over control, accountability, and a ₹25.2 crore question mark named Cameron Green. At the center of it all stands Ajinkya Rahane, whose three-word response “Ask Cricket Australia” for why the all-rounder was not allowed to ball against Mumbai Indians, sparked controversy which forced CA to finally give an answer.
KKR lost to Mumbai Indians by 6 wickets despite putting up 220/4, a total that should at least stretch a chase. But the real talking point wasn’t the runs conceded. It was the absence of one man from the bowling sheet. Cameron Green, one of the most expensive all-rounders in IPL history, did not bowl a single over in KKR’s opening match. He did contribute with the bat, scoring 18 off 10 balls.
This wasn’t a last-minute call. It wasn’t a tactical misread. It was, as Rahane suggested, something bigger, and possibly beyond the captain’s control. When asked why the 26-year-old did not bowl, Rahane replied with, “Ask Cricket Australia,” in the post match interview.
🚨AJINKYA RAHANE ON WHY GREEN IS NOT BOWLING🚨
Question🎙️ – why Cameron Green is not bowling?
Ajinkya Rahane🎙️ – that question you should ask to Cricket Australia.🤯 pic.twitter.com/mim9QxNmqU
— Sam (@Cricsam01) March 30, 2026
Cameron Green’s Role Leaves Kolkata Knight Riders Unbalanced
The absence of Cameron Green’s bowling has already created a noticeable imbalance in the Kolkata Knight Riders setup who are already struggling with injury crisis in their bowling unit.
“I think when hopefully Green starts to bowl soon, the combination will be slightly different,” KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane said at the presentation. “At the moment, we have to see the balance and who can bowl well for us… So hopefully, Green starts to bowl soon, and then we can find out whether the combination will be okay.”
KKR managed to pick up four wickets while defending their total, but Mumbai Indians chased it down comfortably in 19.1 overs. The pace attack struggled to contain the scoring, with Vaibhav Arora returning figures of 1 for 52, Kartik Tyagi 1 for 43, and Blessing Muzarabani going wicketless with 0 for 34.
Rahane acknowledged that the team is still searching for the right balance early in the tournament and apparently, injury has left them with the most inexperienced seam-bowling units in the tournament.
“It is challenging because our bowlers are injured, but it is also an opportunity for other players to step up and make a name for themselves.”
Green’s limited bowling workload in recent matches only adds to the concern. The Australian all-rounder has bowled just 7.1 overs across his last eight competitive games, including none in his most recent Sheffield Shield appearance for Western Australia before joining the IPL.
“Unfortunately, Cameron Green cannot bowl at this moment,” Rahane confirmed. “When he starts bowling, the combination will be slightly different. At the moment, having that sixth bowling option is really important because we don’t want to put too much pressure on our spinners. Sunil and Varun have experience, but we need that extra option.”
Cricket Australia Responds To Rahane’s Remarks
A spokesperson for Cricket Australia later clarified the situation, confirming that Cameron Green is currently dealing with a fitness issue.
“Cameron has a lower back injury which is being managed but requires him to abstain from bowling for a short period,” the spokesperson said, as reported by Hindustan Times.
CRICKET AUSTRALIA SPOKESPERSON. 🗣️
“Cameron has a lower back injury which is being managed, but requires him to abstain from bowling for a short period of time around 10-12 days.
KKR has been communicated with and is fully aware of this information”. pic.twitter.com/WXg07gyV12
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 30, 2026
The statement further added that Green is in the process of gradually returning to full workload. “Cameron 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.”
Green is not the only Australian player facing fitness concerns at the start of the IPL 2026 season. Mitchell Starc of Delhi Capitals and Josh Hazlewood of Royal Challengers Bengaluru are also recovering from injuries. Both fast bowlers have not yet received full clearance from Cricket Australia to resume bowling workloads.
