RCB have to decide whether they want to gamble on Cameron Green’s fitness or release him in the auction pool.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is facing a challenging decision regarding Cameron Green’s future with the franchise after recent reports revealed his need for a prolonged recovery following spinal surgery. RCB, who traded Green from Mumbai Indians last season for a remarkable INR 17.5 crore, saw a fair performance from the Australian all-rounder in IPL 2024.
Green scored over 200 runs and took 10 wickets, which proved valuable in batting and bowling. However, with a six-month recovery period following his surgery for a spinal stress fracture, Green’s availability for IPL 2025 remains uncertain.
Green’s surgery, supposedly to stabilize recurring spinal problems, has effectively ruled him out of Australia’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, a two-Test series against Sri Lanka and even the Champions Trophy.
Medical experts have tentatively projected Green’s return in late March, just before the 2025 IPL, but emphasize that while he might recover enough to bat, he may not be fully fit to play again in the bowling. Such a scenario raises concerns for RCB, who would ideally rely on Green’s dual capabilities.
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As the IPL 2025 retention deadline approaches, RCB must evaluate whether retaining Green aligns with their strategies or if they should return him to the auction pool. While retaining him could be a valuable long-term investment, it is risky given the likelihood that his performance capabilities will be limited immediately upon recovery.
Furthermore, as Green’s physical condition evolves, RCB faces competitive risks. Releasing him could make him an auction target for other franchises, especially as he is perceived as a high-potential asset when in top form.
If RCB decide to part ways, they could redirect their attention towards strengthening other areas or retain a more reliable all-rounder right away, like Will Jacks, who showed promise in the previous season. Glenn Maxwell and Mohammad Siraj also remain pivotal in his retention considerations.
Ultimately, the choice depends on RCB’s willingness to bank on Green’s uncertain return or focus their attention on building a more stable team for next season.
(Prasenjiit Dey has worked as a sports journalist for about a decade. You can follow him on X and Instagram.)