Cameron Green is expected to return to bowling for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Eden Gardens on Thursday.
Green has not bowled in the tournament so far, having started the season as a specialist batter due to a lower-back injury, according to guidance from Cricket Australia. More than ten days after the advisory, the Australian all-rounder is now understood to be ready to bowl in a competitive match.
“Cameron has a lower-back injury, which is being managed, but requires him to abstain from bowling for a short period,” Cricket Australia stated on March 30. “Cameron is currently rebuilding his bowling loads in India with a view to return in around 10-12 days’ time.”
KKR have faced multiple challenges in team composition during the early part of the tournament. Mustafizur Rahman has been unavailable due to instructions from the BCCI before the season began. Injuries to Harshit Rana and Akash Deep have further limited their pace bowling options, while Sunil Narine missed the previous match due to illness and Varun Chakaravarthy is sidelined with a hand injury.
Green’s absence as a bowling option has added to these difficulties, affecting the team’s all-round balance. His return to bowling is expected to alleviate this pressure as KKR aim to secure their first win of the season after two defeats and one washout.
Green’s batting performance has also come under scrutiny. Purchased for a record Rs 25.20 crore at the IPL auction-the highest amount ever paid for an overseas player-he has scored 18, 2, and 4 runs in three innings, prompting questions about his batting position.
Aaron Finch commented on Green’s form, telling ESPNcricinfo, “One of those dismissals has been a run out [against SRH], not a part of his fault. Still, he’s missed out twice. There’s a bit of panic, he’s not looking the same as the past. Remember when he was at the top of the order for MI – how he had a totally different intent. He was imposing at the crease. Now he looks tentative. Don’t push him down. Push him either up the order, or give him a rest.”
Green has batted at No. 3 twice and No. 4 once this season. With his all-round responsibilities set to increase, KKR will rely on the 26-year-old to regain both rhythm and confidence in the critical match against Lucknow Super Giants.