Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Expectations are sky-high from Cameron Green the all-rounder. It began with Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane’s response to a reporter’s question about Green not bowling in KKR’s opening IPL 2026 match, and then Cricket Australia issued a clarification on Rahane’s remark. Since then, the debate has gathered pace.Now, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has also weighed in, saying the all-rounder needs to balance the expectations from both his IPL franchise and the national team.“There’s huge expectation within the IPL, and there’s huge expectation with any all-rounder that shapes an Australian team. It’s not unfair, but there is an expectation around all-rounders that they contribute in a certain way,” McDonald told SEN Radio.Keeping in mind his all-round prowess, Green was bought by KKR for an eye-watering Rs 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive overseas buy ever in the IPL.“It’s almost like they want them to average 45 with the bat and average less than 30 with the ball. And there’s been very few that do that. I’m sure that his career will trend upwards,” McDonald said.
“We know he’s good enough. He’s just got to balance out all those expectations, and in particular, playing all three formats, which is a significant challenge for any cricketer,” he added.Rahane’s remark on an injured Green not bowling in the IPL match against Mumbai Indians had sparked a mild controversy over his fitness status. Later, Cricket Australia clarified that the KKR management is “fully aware” of the 26-year-old’s back niggle, which requires him to stay away from bowling for 10-12 days.However, McDonald said Green’s fitness concerns will not count against him when it comes to considering him as an all-format player, especially in Tests for Australia.“I think the answer to that is, yes (all-format player). I’ve got to talk to the selectors around that. But if you look at the last (Australian) team, Usman (Khawaja) has retired, and he vacates the No. 5 position,” the head coach said.“But you’ve got (Beau) Webster and Green that potentially can play in the same team, so that gives us incredible flexibility. But I think he’s (Green) good enough.“It’s only a matter of time before he gets to a situation where he’s performing for Australia. I think he’s got a few things to work on around his game, but that’s no different to anyone else,” he added.
