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KKR vs LSG IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders might finally be able to take full advantage of Cameron Green's deal during their IPL 2026 match against Lucknow Super Giants, as, according to an ESPNCricinfo report, the star all-rounder is all set to start bowling from Thursday's match, which will be held in Kolkata. Since the Kolkata-based franchise is already under heavy scrutiny this year, this update is particularly important, as it's more than just a routine fitness update.

KKR had spent a whopping Rs 25.20 crore on him at the auction last year, but till now, they have been able to use him only as a batter. The youngster hasn't bowled in a single match to date in the ongoing season owing to a lower back injury, which was managed under Cricket Australia's guidance, and this has consistently raised questions about the team's balance and the clarity of his role.

This concern has become a topic of debate as the Ajinkya Rahane-led side hasn't had a flying start to their campaign. They had suffered two consecutive losses, and then their IPL 2026 match against the Punjab Kings was abandoned, which gave them some respite. During the ongoing season, when momentum can change quickly, the Kolkata-based franchise can't afford to make too many selection mistakes.

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Green's inconsistent batting has led to brutal criticism. He has scored just 18,2 and four runs during the three matches that he has played, and these numbers haven't justified his position in the playing XI just as a specialist batter. This debate had intensified over whether the Ajinkya Rahane-led side would play better if Rovman Powell were included in the playing XI, since Green is currently bowling. And that's why this update isn't just about fitness. This is also about whether this franchise can finally use his all-around skills, for which they had spent so much.

Green’s return could change KKR’s balance

Speculation was rife over the last few days that Green was inching closer to full fitness. As per the franchise, Green had started bowling during their training session and had gradually built up to that intensity, whereas the coaches are quite hopeful that he wasn't far from bowling at full tilt. He might be seen bowling during Thursday's clash.

This news has come at the best time. KKR's bowling lineup has already taken some early blows, as Matheesha Pathirana hasn't joined the squad yet, and there is also uncertainty about the fitness of Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine. Narine gave the clash against the Punjab Kings a miss owing to an illness, whereas Varun was dropped from the playing XI due to an injury when he took a catch during their last clash.

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Even if Cameron Green bowls a few overs against the Rishabh Pant-led side, then it might make some changes to KKR's playing XI. This would reduce pressure on the other bowlers and also decrease criticism of his selection. At the same time, it will also help the Kolkata-based franchise use him for the reasons they bought him, not just as a specialist batter.

And that's why this is a huge boost for the Ajinkya Rahane-led side. At a time when their season has just started to shape up, the mistakes they are making are quite visible. With Green bowling during the next match, it might become one of the highlights of KKR's campaign.


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