Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Kolkata Knight Riders’ big-money buy at the auction, Cameron Green, struck in his very first over for the franchise on Thursday, April 9. The Australian all-rounder, who had been heavily criticised for not bowling in his first couple of games in the Indian Premier League 2026, responded to his critics by dismissing Rishabh Pant in his very first over of the tournament.
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Green’s short ball accounted for the Lucknow Super Giants captain in the ninth over of the match, dealing a significant blow to the batting line-up. The Australian all-rounder, who was bought for a hefty Rs 25.20 crore in the IPL auction, had faced criticism for not bowling in KKR’s first two matches of the season.
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Former England international Kevin Pietersen had even questioned Green’s place in the playing XI if he was not contributing with the ball.
“I won’t talk about money (auction price), but I don’t think he is good enough for batting at No. 3. He is not bowling. Batting at 3 here and taking on that responsibility. He’s a middle-order batter who bowls a bit, and that’s what he does,” Pietersen had said on Star Sports.
The controversy had first surfaced in KKR’s opening match of the season, when captain Ajinkya Rahane was asked why Green had not bowled in their heavy defeat to the Mumbai Indians.
A frustrated Rahane had responded that the question was best directed to Cricket Australia, suggesting that the franchise was not fully aware of Green’s bowling limitations at the time of the auction.
Cricket Australia, however, clarified the situation hours later, stating that KKR had been informed in advance that Green would not bowl during the initial phase of the tournament due to a back injury.
“Cameron has a lower back injury which is being managed but requires him to abstain from bowling for a short period,” a CA spokesperson had said.
“KKR has been communicated with and is fully aware of this information,” the statement added.
But on the day, Green pitching in overs with the ball really helped KKR put back some pressure in the middle overs. Green’s one over got rid of Rishabh Pant, while Sunil Narine on the other side choked out LSG with his mystery spin.
The middle-overs comeback helped KKR drag the game back in their favour after the initial burst by Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram. KKR had earlier scored 181 runs for the loss of 4 wickets after being sent to bat first at the Eden Gardens.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
