
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane and Australia head coach Andrew McDonald (Image credit: Agencies) NEW DELHI: Expectations from all-rounder Cameron Green are sky-high. It started with Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane’s response to a reporter’s question about whether Green is bowling in the opening match of KKR IPL 2026, and then Cricket Australia issued a clarification on Rahane’s remark. Since then, the debate has gained momentum.Now Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has chimed in, saying the all-rounder has to balance expectations from both his IPL franchise and the national team.“There are huge expectations in the IPL and there are huge expectations of any all-rounder who makes the Australian team. It’s not unfair, but there is an expectation around all-rounders that they will contribute in a certain way,” McDonald told SEN radio.Given his all-round ability, Green was bought by KKR for a whopping Rs 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas purchase ever in the IPL.“It’s almost like they want him to average 45 with the bat and less than 30 with the ball. And there have been very few people who have done that. I’m sure his career will trend upward,” McDonald said.
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Angkrish Raghuvanshi only focused on team wins“We know he is good enough. He has to balance all those expectations and especially play all three formats, which is a big challenge for any cricketer,” he added.Rahane’s comment about the injured Green not bowling in the IPL match against Mumbai Indians sparked a mild controversy over his fitness. Later, Cricket Australia clarified that the KKR management was “fully aware” of the 26-year-old’s back injury, which required him to stay away from bowling for 10-12 days.However, McDonald said Green’s fitness concerns will not play against him in terms of his consideration as an all-format player, particularly in Tests for Australia.“I think the answer to that is yes (all-format player). I have to talk to the selectors about that. But if you look at the last (Australian) team, Usman (Khawaja) left and vacated the No.5 position,” the head coach said.“But you have (Beau) Webster and Green potentially playing on the same team, so it gives us incredible flexibility. But I think (Green) is pretty good.”“It’s only a matter of time before he gets into a situation where he’s playing for Australia. I think he’s got a few things to work on around his game, but it’s no different to anyone else,” he added.Also Read: PBKS vs GT Live Score




