Cameron Green for KKR [Source: AFP]

Kolkata Knight Riders all‑rounder Cameron Green’s return to bowling has been a central talking point for the franchise in IPL 2026. Despite having three to four pace‑bowling options, the presence of Cameron Green would have added a strategic edge, especially after two opening defeats for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026.

Australian all‑rounder Cameron Green, acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders for an auction price of INR 25.2 crore, was declared unfit to bowl by Cricket Australia. That declaration sparked a brief controversy involving Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane.

Nonetheless, Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling coach Tim Southee has now offered a fresh update on Cameron Green’s bowling fitness.

Cameron Green’s Effectiveness With The Ball and the Reason for His Bowling Absence

Primarily classified as a batting all‑rounder, Cameron Green has occasionally bowled for Australia as well as in various T20 leagues. Cameron Green’s IPL bowling record is modest; however, Cameron Green delivered 439 deliveries while representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians, claiming 16 wickets at an economy rate of 9.07 runs per over.

Although those figures do not portray Cameron Green as a frontline wicket‑taker, Cameron Green’s height of 6 ft 4 in allows Cameron Green to generate bounce that can trouble batters and help curb run flow. Cameron Green’s current bowling absence for Kolkata Knight Riders stems from a minor lower‑back injury sustained by Cameron Green during the T20 World Cup 2026 earlier in the year.

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Cricket Australia has mandated a period of rest and recovery for Cameron Green, focusing on gradually rebuilding Cameron Green’s bowling workload. Consequently, Kolkata Knight Riders have managed Cameron Green with caution, and Cameron Green has not bowled in any IPL 2026 match to date.

Cameron Green Back To Bowling For Kolkata Knight Riders

In a recent development, Kolkata Knight Riders management has announced that Cameron Green has resumed bowling in net sessions and may not be far from returning to competitive bowling in IPL 2026.

On Sunday, Tim Southee confirmed that Cameron Green is tracking Cameron Green’s rehabilitation progress and is gradually re‑introducing Cameron Green’s bowling into practice games.

"Yeah, Cameron Green’s been bowling well, tracking his rehab and getting himself back to being able to bowl in games. Cameron Green will continue to do that," Tim Southee said.

Will Cameron Green Bowl Against Punjab Kings?

Tim Southee’s update hinted at a potential return for Cameron Green with the ball in the forthcoming clash against Punjab Kings, although it remains unlikely that Cameron Green will actually bowl in that match. Tim Southee also assured that Kolkata Knight Riders are in regular contact with Cricket Australia to monitor Cameron Green’s progress.

In Cameron Green’s absence, Kolkata Knight Riders’ relatively inexperienced pace attack has struggled, particularly as several key bowlers have remained unavailable.

Kolkata Knight Riders Bowling Unit Grappling With Inexperience

The Kolkata Knight Riders bowling unit, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Vaibhav Arora, has faced difficulties, including a heavy 65‑run defeat at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2. Power‑play bowling has emerged as a major concern, an issue Tim Southee also acknowledged for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026.

"It’s always hard when you’re not taking wickets, particularly in the powerplay. Taking wickets early stems the run flow and makes things easier. We haven’t quite managed to do that so far, but we’ll plan accordingly and hopefully take those early wickets," Tim Southee added.

Nevertheless, Kolkata Knight Riders will look to bounce back against Punjab Kings on April 6 as the match is slated to be played at Eden Gardens, with the start time set for 7:30 PM IST.

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