“Can’t do that” – Ambati Rayudu slams Cricket Australia over Cameron Green saga during MI vs KKR IPL 2026 match

The debate has begun over Cameron Green’s inability to bowl in the opening matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The 26-year-old was acquired by the three-time champions in the auction for INR 25.20 crore, with expectations that he would step into the big shoes of Andre Russell. However, recurring injuries have disrupted his plans, and he will not bowl during the first 10–12 days of the tournament.

Addressing this matter, former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu criticised Cricket Australia’s decision, calling it illogical and questioning why Cameron Green was restricted from bowling in the early stages of the IPL 2026.

Not only Rayudu, but the fans were also surprised when Green did not bowl, despite being fully available on the field. When asked about this decision, the KKR captain responded, “You should ask Cricket Australia,” further fueling the debate over player management and international commitments.

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Ambati Rayudu slams Cricket Australia over Cameron Green matter

After the completion of the match, during a discussion on ESPNCricinfo, former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu strongly criticized Cricket Australia (CA) over a controversial decision that prevented an international player from bowling to manage his workload.

With KKR’s main bowlers, Harshit Rana and Matheesha Pathirana, unavailable due to injuries, the team management had high expectations from Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. However, it was revealed that Green would not bowl in the initial matches, sparking debate over CA’s decision.

Reacting to this, Ambati Rayudu trolled Cricket Australia, saying, “Can he play a cover drive or not? Maybe he might just injure his elbow. Maybe he should just flick the ball.”

He further added, “It is absolutely absurd. When somebody is coming to compete in a tournament and you tell him, ‘you can do this and you can't do that,’ absolute nonsense. It can't happen in a professional setting. I think it should be up to the player. If he is competing as a professional, he should be able to do whatever he is capable of doing. The player is the best judge.”

Rayudu also shared a personal example, saying, “My mom always wanted me to wear a helmet, but I never liked it. Does not mean that my mom signs a contract and sends me out saying that, ‘he can't play, my son might get injured.’”

This decision impacted KKR’s performance in their opening match against the Mumbai Indians. In the second innings, Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickleton built a 148-run partnership while chasing 221, which KKR could not break. Many believe that if Cameron Green had been allowed to bowl, the outcome for the Kolkata Knight Riders might have been very different.

What Cricket Australia said about Cameron Green

Cameron Green has bowled very little since undergoing lower back surgery. He did not bowl during the World Test Championship final against South Africa and delivered only 62 overs in the five-match Ashes series.

On Monday, Cricket Australia issued a statement confirming that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had been informed in advance about the restrictions placed on Green. The board also mentioned that he is expected to resume bowling within the next 10–12 days.

The statement read, “Cameron has a lower back injury which is being managed, but requires him to refrain from bowling for a short period of around 10–12 days.”

In their opening IPL 2026 match, KKR suffered a defeat against Mumbai Indians, who successfully chased down a target of 221 with six wickets in hand and five balls to spare.

KKR Captain Ajinkya Rahane Breaks Silence on Cameron Green Bowling Decision

After the match, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane addressed questions about Cameron Green’s absence with the ball. When asked by the presenter why Green did not bowl despite being on the field, Rahane gave a brief and direct response, saying, “You should ask Cricket Australia.” His statement highlighted that the decision was not taken by the team management, but was influenced by restrictions set by Cricket Australia regarding Green’s workload.