Cameron Green cannot catch a breath as the debate on him bowling is not slowing down anytime soon. Kolkata Knight Riders’ loss against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026 saw a spark in debate after Ajinkya Rahane’s jibe towards Cricket Australia over Green.
Despite a massive sum of INR 25.20 crore paid for his services, CA was quick to defend their long-term asset and asked not to push him for a short-term return. Unable to contribute much as a pure batsman in the first match against MI with just 18 runs on board, this development has raised a question regarding when Green will start to bowl in this IPL.
Indian bowling legend Zaheer Khan expressed his concerns over Green’s place in the starting 11 when asked about his situation.
Zaheer remarked on Cricbuzz Live: “Cricket Australia has control over Cameron Green, and if they’ve decided he’s not going to bowl, then it’s up to the franchise on how to use him. Rahane made sure he let everyone know that I want him to bowl. If he doesn’t bowl, his being in the 11 will solely be on the balance of the team.”
“So even if they bought him for the highest of the bucks, you still have to ask him to sit on the bench. Maybe Rachin Ravindra is the option they’ll go for instead to contribute with the bat and ball,” said Zaheer, backing the Kiwi batter to crack the team given his consistently improving bowling.
Zaheer guns for Ravindra, Seifert’s inclusion
Green has been crucial for his national side, acting as a 4th seamer in Test cricket since his debut in 2020 against India. Bowling over 400+ overs and with 39 wickets with the red ball, his fitness management has been a major concern for CA. Despite his limited impact in Ashes 2025-2026 with just 4 wickets in 4 matches, historically his value has always come from dual role, thus making him one of the most expensive buys in IPL’s history.
The comparison becomes sharper when options on bench like Ravindra who can play as an all-rounder and Tim Seifert as a specialist batsman comes into question. That’s a great dilemma for KKR looking at the season ahead in order to maintain their team’s balance if Green’s availability is just as a batter.
Michael Vaughan, former England captain, also weighed in saying: “It helps their balance if he Green bowls. I’ll be amazed and surprised if he bowls in this game. You could argue that Seifert could replace Cameron Green if he’s just playing as a batter. But I can’t see that change after one game. Plus Green looked good with the bat at the Wankhede.”
For KKR it’s not just about replacing their expensive buy but how to maintain the balance ahead of their second match against SRH.
