Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane fired a shot at Cricket Australia after its $2.7 million all-rounder Cameron Green was unable to bowl as they kicked off their IPL season with defeat.
Green was snapped up by three-time champions Kolkata in December’s auction for 252 million rupees to become the most expensive overseas buy in Indian Premier League history.
Mumbai Indians chased down the 220 that Kolkata scored at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday but Green hit a four and a six while batting at number three before falling in for 18 from 10 balls.
The Kolkata bowlers, excluding Australian international Green, were then punched to as the hosts stroked down their target chip five balls to spill.
When asked later why Green wasn’t used as a bowling option, Rahane had an abrupt answer: “The question you need to ask Cricket Australia.
Green has a lower back injury that “requires him to abstain from bowling for a short period”, Cricket Australia said on Monday.
“Cameron is rebuilding his bowling loads in India with a view to have him back around 10-12 days’ time,” a spokesperson said.
“This information was communicated and KKR has full knowledge of this.”
The 26-year-old Green has been cautiously handled since undergoing back surgery in 2024.
He bowled seven balls in the T20 World Cup in February and played only as a batter in round nine of the Sheffield Shield.
“It’s tough because we have some injured bowlers, but it is an opportunity for other guys to step up and make a name for themself.”