India, April 1 -- Kolkata Knight Riders' call to spend big on Cameron Green came under immediate scrutiny after the Australian all-rounder did not bowl in their IPL 2026 opener against the Mumbai Indians. The debate sharpened further when captain Ajinkya Rahane, asked after the match why Green had not bowled, said that the question should be directed at Cricket Australia. Soon after, Cricket Australia clarified that KKR had been fully aware of Green's temporary bowling restriction before the tournament.

Now, Abhishek Nayar, head coach of KKR, had defended the franchise's position in a pre-match press conference ahead of their SRH assignment. KKR had gone hard for Green at the IPL 2026 auction, signing him for a record Rs.25.20 crore afte...