Kolkata: Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is anticipated to return to his bowling duties for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 fixture against the Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens this Thursday.

The development offers a critical tactical advantage to a Kolkata squad that has grappled with squad depth following a string of high-profile injuries. Green, who was acquired for a record-breaking 25.20 crore rupees, has functioned solely as a specialist batter in the tournament's early stages. His limited role followed a medical advisory from Cricket Australia concerning a lower-back ailment.

"Cameron has a lower-back injury, which is being managed, but requires him to abstain from bowling for a short period," Cricket Australia stated on March 30. "Cameron is currently rebuilding his bowling loads in India with a view to return in around 10-12 days' time."

A Depleted Bowling Arsenal

Kolkata’s bowling resources have been stretched thin since the preseason. The franchise was already without Mustafizur Rahman due to BCCI directives, and subsequent injuries to pacers Harshit Rana and Akash Deep further compromised the attack. The team’s spin department also faced setbacks; illness sidelined Sunil Narine for the previous game, while a hand injury forced Varun Chakaravarthy to the bench.

Green’s re-entry as a bowling option is expected to restore balance to a lineup that has yet to secure a victory this season, having recorded two losses and one washout.

Batting Form Under Review

While his return to the bowling crease is welcomed, Green's offensive production has drawn criticism from analysts. With scores of 18, 2, and 4 in his first three outings, observers have questioned his positioning within the batting order.

Former Australian captain Aaron Finch noted that Green appears "tentative" compared to the aggressive presence he maintained during his tenure with the Mumbai Indians.

"One of those dismissals has been a run out [against SRH], not a part of his fault. Still, he's missed out twice. There's a bit of panic, he's not looking the same as the past," Finch told ESPNcricinfo. "Remember when he was at the top of the order for MI - how he had a totally different intent. He was imposing at the crease. Now he looks tentative. Don't push him down. Push him either up the order, or give him a rest."

Green has occupied the No. 3 and No. 4 spots this season. KKR officials remain hopeful that the expanded all-around responsibilities will help the 26-year-old regain the rhythm necessary for the club to climb the league standings.

With inputs from ANI