Cameron Green for KKR [Source: AFP]Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Cameron Green’s return to bowling has been a concerning issue for the franchise in IPL 2026 so far. Although they have three to four pace-bowling options at their disposal, Green’s presence would have made a difference, given that they have lost their first two matches in IPL 2026. The Australian all-rounder, Cameron Green, who was roped in by KKR for a massive sum of INR 25.2 crore in the auction, was flagged unfit to bowl by Cricket Australia, which later led to a mini controversy involving KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane. Nevertheless, the team’s bowling coach Tim Southee has shared a new update on Green’s fitness regarding bowling. Green’s Effectiveness With The Ball And Why He Is Not Bowling? Primarily a batting all-rounder, Cameron Green has occasionally bowled for Australia as well as in T20 leagues. Green hasn’t bowled much in the IPL; however, he has delivered 439 balls while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians, picking up 16 wickets at an economy rate of 9.07. While not extremely effective, Green’s bowling, given his 6ft 4 inch height, can trouble batters and help control runs. Green’s absence with the ball for KKR is due to a minor lower back injury he suffered during the T20 World Cup 2026 earlier this year. Also Read- Cameron Green Injury Update: Australia Coach Reacts To Ajinkya Rahane's 'Ask CA' DigCricket Australia has mandated rest and recovery for him, focusing on rebuilding his bowling workload. As a result, he has been managed carefully and has not bowled so far in the tournament. Cameron Green Back To Bowling For KKR In a recent development, the team management has informed that Green has resumed bowling in the nets and may not be far away from returning to bowling in an IPL match. On Sunday, Southee confirmed that Green is tracking his rehab and gradually getting back to bowling in games. "Yeah, Green's been bowling well, tracking his rehab and getting himself back to being able to bowl in games. He'll continue to do that," Southee said. Will Green Bowl Against PBKS? His update hinted at a possible return with the ball against the Punjab Kings, although it remains unlikely that Green will bowl in that match. Southee further assured that KKR is in regular contact with Cricket Australia to monitor Green’s progress. Meanwhile, in Cameron Green’s absence, Kolkata’s relatively inexperienced pace attack has struggled, especially with key bowlers unavailable. KKR Bowling Unit Struggling With Inexperience The unit, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Vaibhav Arora, has faced difficulties, including a heavy 65-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2. Powerplay bowling has emerged as a major concern, an issue Southee also acknowledged for the team 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," Southee added. Nevertheless, Kolkata will look to bounce back against Punjab Kings on April 6 as they host the match at the Eden Gardens, with the game scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST.Also Read- List Of All IPL Records Broken By RCB vs CSK
