Kolkata Knight Riders’ high-profile signing Cameron Green finally showed signs of returning to form with the bat, but questions around his bowling role once again became a talking point after he did not bowl in the match against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 season.
Green, KKR’s most expensive player of the season, played a crucial innings of 79 off 55 balls, helping his side recover after early wickets. However, despite being an all-rounder, he was not used as a bowler during the game, raising further speculation about his fitness and role in the team.
Rahane Addresses Bowling Decision
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane addressed the issue after his team suffered another defeat, explaining that the decision to not bowl Green was due to physical discomfort.
Rahane clarified that Green was dealing with cramps during the match, which affected his ability to contribute in the field. He added that the management prioritised the player’s fitness over forcing him into a bowling spell.
Focus on Batting Positives
Despite KKR’s struggles, Rahane chose to highlight the positives from the match, particularly Green’s return to form with the bat. The Australian all-rounder, who had been going through a lean patch, played a composed yet aggressive knock that briefly revived KKR’s innings after a shaky start.
Rahane praised Green’s counter-attacking approach, noting that his innings helped the team reach a competitive position in the middle overs, even though they eventually fell short in the match.
KKR’s Ongoing Struggles
The defeat marked KKR’s fifth loss in six games, leaving them near the bottom of the points table with just a single point from a rain-affected match earlier in the season.
The team has struggled to find consistency in both batting and bowling departments, despite having a strong squad on paper.
Questions Around Green’s Role Continue
Green’s limited involvement as a bowler continues to raise questions, especially given his high auction price and reputation as a genuine all-rounder. While he has shown improvement with the bat, his bowling availability remains uncertain due to fitness concerns.
As KKR search for balance in their lineup, the management will be hoping their star signing can soon contribute fully in both departments, strengthening their chances in the remainder of the season.
