No Green Light For Green With The Ball? 'Ask Cricket Australia', Says KKR Skipper Rahane

Mumbai Indians started their IPL 2026 campaign with a 6-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday as Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton produced quality half-centuries.

Ajinkya Rahane scored 67 off 40 balls to guide KKR to the total of 220/4, as Angkrish Raghuvanshi came up with a handsome 51 from 29 deliveries.

“I’m still young, 37, I’m still young, feeling good, but yeah, struggling with my cramps. It happens in Mumbai, a lot of humidity, but really happy the way I’m batting at the moment,” he said.

“I thought 220-225 was a good total. We batted really well, but again, the inexperienced bowling attack, especially playing against MI’s strong batting lineup, it’s a really learning curve for us.”

Rahane lauded the efforts

of the inexperienced KKR bowling lineup and opined that the return of Australian all-rounder Cameron Green to the bowling crease would bolster their roster.

“Apart from Vaibhav, Karthik, Muzarabani, haven’t been used to IPL, two experienced spinners, but I thought Mumbai Indians batted well. So our bowlers will definitely learn,” the veteran said.

“I think when Green starts to bowl soon, the combination will slightly be different. At the moment, we have to see the balance, guys who can bowl well for us, batting-wise, as I said, we batted really well, but finding that balance with the ball is really important.”

“A lot of positives from the batting side. I thought Kartik bowled well, played a game after a while. I thought he was really good. So yes, as I said, a lot of positives and lots to learn as well.”

“So hopefully, Green starts to bowl soon. As to why he’s not bowling yet, that’s the question you need to ask to Cricket Australia,” he signed off.