Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Abhishek Nair Australian all-rounder is supported cameron green After decision by cricket australia Stopping him from bowling. Cameron Green has been battling a lower back injury since 2024, which required surgery. They also faced similar issues during ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026Where the Australian team limited his bowling workload to manage his fitness.
However, the team management of KKR was reportedly unaware of this before the IPL mega auction and picked him up as the specialist all-rounder for a whopping price of â‚ą25.2 crore. in their opening game against Mumbai IndiansDespite the team having less bowling options, Cameron Green did not bowl, which sparked debate about his role. When questioned, the KKR captain suggested that such questions should be directed to Cricket Australia.
“It’s not short-sighted”: Nair on KKR’s long-term vision
Talking about Cameron Green, Abhishek Nair admitted that it is unfortunate that the all-rounder is not bowling at the moment, but he insisted that the franchise’s decision was made keeping the long-term vision in mind.
“I think, look, the idea of ​​picking a player in the auction is not always very short-sighted. There is always a horizon,” Nair said on Wednesday (April 1). “You look at what a player has done over the years and how much skill he has. This game is interesting in the sense that sometimes you pick a player with a certain skill and sometimes they may even demonstrate the skill that you are talking about and not be able to demonstrate.
“But for us, Cameron Green, the cricketer and the all-rounder was really important. You sometimes consider a lot of things, whether there is an injury, fitness update. But ultimately, I think, when the auction happens and the tournament happens, it is not immediate. So whatever decision you take, you don’t know what the future holds and what will happen in the future. So in that aspect, we as a franchise always invest in the player and the player gives his best performance to our table. What I can bring and we know what Cameron Green can do. There are things that are very unfortunate sometimes.
“Yes, you want backups, you pick players who do certain things. But when you went to the auction, it was very simple. If Russ [Russell] There wasn’t, we felt, who is the next best all-rounder in the world and can add a lot of value and carry forward Russell’s legacy in a different role, we felt Cameron Green could do that for us. It is unfortunate that he has not been able to bowl yet.”
Signs of progress: Cameron Green resumes bowling in training
In a clip recently shared by KKR before the match against them Sunrisers HyderabadCameron Green was seen warming up with the ball.
The franchise also posted visuals of his bowling during practice, indicating progress in his workload management and a possible return to full all-round duties.
KKR sees Cameron Green as long-term successor andre russellAiming to repeat his impact in a slightly different all-round role following Russell’s exit.
Fitness update: Pathirana’s return hinges on clearance
Providing an update on Mathisha PathiranaNair said:
“I think just on Pathirana, I think we have got clear communication as to where he is right now. He is clearly increasing his workload. The Sri Lankan board will do a fitness test, after which a decision will be taken on him getting the NOC and traveling to Kolkata or wherever. So, I think we are getting constant feedback from them.
“We have got his reports. Our physio team is in touch with his physio team. So, there is a lot of clarity on the dates. And we are hoping that he can go through those fitness tests, play those practice matches that the Sri Lankan cricketers organize for him before letting him go. So, once all those formalities are completed, we are hopeful and fingers crossed, we will have him on our side,” Nair said.
Varun Chakraborty’s support despite decline in form
In the absence of key fast bowlers, the onus will fall, especially on KKR’s spin attack. Varun Chakraborty. However, Nair dismissed concerns over the spinner’s form and attributed it to opposition teams adopting his style.
Nair said, “I honestly believe that mentally he is in a very good shape. In fact, in this respect he is in a better shape than in previous years. Is this his toughest challenge? I think he has overcome much more than that.”
“Yes, he has obviously achieved a lot in the last year, so the expectations have gone up. Everyone always knew Varun Chakravarthy was a fantastic bowler, but the way he has performed for Team India, there are expectations. As a franchise, as a support staff, we support him. I don’t think there is any problem in that.
“But yes, teams are playing him well. That doesn’t mean he can’t come back – it just means it’s another challenge in his life like he did before, and we’re trying and we’re hoping and supporting him every step of the way, and I hope the fans and the world will do the same, so he can come back once again, either in this game or in the future. It’s inevitable that he’ll make a comeback like he has in the past,” he concluded. Took it out.
Kolkata Knight Riders will play their match today against Sunrisers Hyderabad at their home ground Kolkata.
Also Read: KKR vs SRH Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update – IPL 2026, Match 6
