Ajinkya Rahane explains why Cameron Green did not bowl against Gujarat Titans.

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane during the post-match presentation ceremony.

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane was quick to blame Cricket Australia for Cameron Green not bowling in the opening matches of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. However, just two games after Green finally began to bowl, the all-rounder was again kept out of the attack during Friday’s match against the Gujarat Titans, leaving the cricketing world puzzled once more. When Rahane was questioned about the team management’s reluctance to use their Rs 25.20 crore signing as a bowler, he could no longer point the finger at the national board.

It was another demoralizing result for Rahane as KKR slumped to their fifth defeat in six matches. Despite the loss, the veteran batter chose to focus on the positives, specifically Cameron Green’s return to form. The all-rounder produced a solid knock after a lean run, though it wasn’t enough to prevent the defeat. KKR are yet to find a winning formula and are currently languishing at the bottom of the table with just one point, earned from a rain-abandoned game against Punjab Kings.

“It’s never easy to come out and talk immediately after losing a game, but I’d like to focus on the positives. The way we started, losing three wickets early, was tough,” Rahane said after the five-wicket loss.

With Green finally finding his rhythm, scoring 79 off 55 balls after a string of underwhelming totals, KKR managed to put the Gujarat Titans under pressure during the middle overs.

“Cameron Green’s innings was outstanding. He was under pressure, but the way he counter-attacked and took on their bowlers was amazing to see. At 147-4, reaching a total of around 180 was a difficult task for us as a batting unit,” Rahane added.

He also praised his bowlers, noting that despite the losing streak, they remained motivated—an effort that was evident on Friday. When asked why Green did not bowl during the match, Rahane explained that the decision was based on the Australian’s fitness, noting that he was struggling with cramps.

“I still want to credit our bowlers. It’s not easy when things aren’t going your way, but they kept coming back and pushing hard,” Rahane said. Regarding Green, he clarified: “He was actually struggling with cramps, which is why he was in and out of the field.”

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Indian Premier League

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league established in 2008. It revolutionized the sport by introducing a high-energy franchise model, combining city-based teams with international star players. The league has since become a global sporting and entertainment phenomenon, deeply embedded in modern popular culture.

Kolkata Knight Riders

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are a professional Twenty20 cricket franchise based in Kolkata, India, and a founding member of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008. The team is known for its vibrant purple and gold colors and has won the IPL championship multiple times, in 2012 and 2014.

Cricket Australia

Cricket Australia is the national governing body for the sport of cricket in Australia, founded in 1905. It oversees all levels of the game, from grassroots to the elite national teams,

Indian Premier League

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league founded in 2008 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It revolutionized the sport by blending high-octane cricket with entertainment, featuring city-based franchise teams. The league’s history is marked by rapid commercial success, making it one of the most-watched and lucrative sporting events in the world.

Kolkata Knight Riders

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are a professional Twenty20 cricket franchise based in Kolkata, India, and a founding member of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2008. Co-owned by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, the team is named after the city’s historical cultural connection to the Knight’s Templar and its modern identity. KKR overcame initial struggles to become one of the IPL’s most successful teams, winning the championship in 2012 and 2014.

Cricket Australia

Cricket Australia is the national governing body for the sport of cricket in Australia, founded in 1905 as the Australian Board of Control for International Cricket. It oversees all domestic competitions, such as the Sheffield Shield and Big Bash League, and manages the elite Australian national teams, which have a celebrated history including multiple World Cup victories. The organization plays a central role in promoting and developing the sport across the country, from grassroots to professional levels.