IPL 2026: KKR get massive boost as Cameron Green returns ahead of clash vs LSG

When Ajinkya Rahane, the captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was asked about not delivering the ball to the Australian pacer, Cameron Green, during their opening encounter of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against the Mumbai Indians at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Rahane didn’t look satisfied before the Cricket Australia put a statement. 

Cameron Green hasn’t bowled at all in IPL 2026 for Kolkata’s three encounters of the competition against Mumbai, the Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings, which ended in a washout after the fourth over of the first inning due to torrential rain. That hampered the balance of the playing eleven.

Cameron Green’s return strengthens KKR ahead of crucial fixture

Green is expected to begin bowling for the Knights when they go up against the Lucknow Super Giants at their home venue on April 09. KKR had been informed by the Australian board that the youngster would start IPL 2026 as the specialist batter.

“Cameron has a lower-back injury, which is being managed, but requires him to abstain from bowling for a short period. Cameron is currently rebuilding his bowling loads in India with a view to return in around 10-12 days' time” CA expressed in a statement on March 30 just after Rahane’s comments came after their first defeat.

With KKR playing the 15^th game of the season on Thursday and more than ten days after the update, the reports of ESPN has claimed that Green has been prepared to bowl in the competitive situation.

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However, questions have been raised on his batting form. In the three clashes, he has accumulated only 24 runs at an average of eight. In the second game, he was sold down the river by his partner while completing the run. For the third fixture, he ended up getting an outside edge into the hands of the wicket-keeper.

KKR will look to register their first victory against LSG

Green not bowling for the franchise has made a massive effect. With a number of main bowlers got sidelined for one reason or the other. Mustafizur Rahman had been removed from the squad on the instructions by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) before the event started.

Both Harshit Rana and Aakash Deep were ruled out with injuries shortly before the competition began. Sunil Narine missed the last game due to flu while Varun Chakravarthy, who struggled with the ball, was out due to a hand injury. 

KKR acquired the all-rounder for a massive price of INR 25.20 crore for both the roles of batting and bowling. Matheesha Pathirana, coming for a price of INR 18 crore, hasn’t turned up yet. Meanwhile, Green’s bowling will strengthen the KKR side and provide them different options in the batting line-up.

They hope to get their first victory under their belt against Lucknow, who comes with a win against Sunrisers Hyderabad away from home.