Kolkata Knight Riders lost their opening IPL 2026 match against Mumbai Indians, and questions arose after their ₹25.20 crore all-rounder Cameron Green did not bowl a single over at Wankhede Stadium.
What Happened in the Match?
KKR faced Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 29, 2026. KKR batted first and posted 220/4 in 20 overs. Captain Ajinkya Rahane top-scored with 67 off 40 balls. Angkrish Raghuvanshi added 51 off 29 balls, and Rinku Singh finished with an unbeaten 33 off 21 balls.
Chasing 221, Mumbai Indians won the match by six wickets in 19.1 overs. Rohit Sharma smashed 78 off 38 balls, while Ryan Rickelton hit 81 off 43 balls. The two put on a 148-run opening stand off just 71 balls. Shardul Thakur was KKR’s best bowler with 3 wickets for 39 runs.
It was also Mumbai Indians’ first opening game win in 13 IPL seasons.
Why Did Cameron Green Not Bowl?
Cameron Green, who was bought by KKR for ₹25.20 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, is the most expensive overseas player in IPL auction history. He was signed as a like-for-like replacement for retired all-rounder Andre Russell.
Green batted at number three in the match and scored 18 off 10 balls. He also fielded actively during Mumbai Indians’ chase. However, he was not given the ball to bowl at any point in the match.
When KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane was asked about this in the post-match press conference, his reply was brief. “That question you need to ask Cricket Australia,” he said.
Rahane did not confirm whether Green is injured or if there is a restriction placed on him by Cricket Australia. He did say that the team’s balance would improve once Green starts bowling.
“Hopefully Green starts to bowl soon, and the combination will be slightly different,” Rahane said.
Is Cameron Green Injured?
No official injury update has been shared by KKR or Cricket Australia. However, during KKR’s pre-season camp in Kolkata, Green was spotted bowling in the nets with a shorter run-up instead of his usual longer approach. This has raised questions about whether he is carrying a back or side issue.
Green appeared physically fine while batting and fielding during the match. The shorter run-up in practice, combined with Rahane pointing toward Cricket Australia, suggests there may be a bowling workload restriction placed on Green by Australia’s cricket board.
Cricket Australia manages workloads carefully for players who are part of their central contract system. It is possible they have asked KKR to limit or delay Green’s bowling duties at the start of the tournament.
What This Means for KKR
KKR’s bowling attack looked inexperienced and struggled to control Mumbai Indians’ powerful openers. Rahane acknowledged this after the match.
“It was really tough for the bowlers. It’s an inexperienced bowling attack, but these boys will learn,” he said.
Green’s bowling would give KKR an extra option and better balance. Until he is available to bowl, KKR will need to manage with their current set of bowlers.
Rahane also left the field midway during the Mumbai Indians’ chase due to cramps in both his calves. Rinku Singh took over as stand-in captain in his absence.
