New Delhi, March 20: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have received a significant blow ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana will not be available for the initial matches and is expected to return only by mid-April. This update was shared by KKR’s head coach, Abhishek Nair.
Pathirana was ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to a calf strain. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation under the supervision of Sri Lanka Cricket. Pathirana managed to play only three matches in the T20 World Cup before being sidelined due to injury during a game against Australia. His absence is a major setback for KKR.
During a press conference ahead of the season, Abhishek Nair stated, “The latest information we have on Mathisha Pathirana is that he is currently with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board and is completing his rehabilitation. According to what we have been informed, Pathirana will be fit to play by mid-April. This is the information we have so far.”
Based on the head coach’s statement, Pathirana will be out for at least the early stages of IPL 2026. KKR acquired Pathirana for a hefty sum of 18 crores at the auction after he was released by Chennai Super Kings. His absence leaves KKR’s fast bowling attack looking considerably weaker. Harshit Rana will also not be available this season, although he has not been officially ruled out yet.
Regarding Harshit’s injury, head coach Abhishek Nair commented, “First and foremost, this is a huge blow for us, as Harshit has been a crucial part of the team for the past few seasons. He has made significant progress as a cricketer over the years, so replacing him won’t be easy.” However, KKR’s mentor expressed hope that the presence of Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik, Akash Deep, and Kartik Tyagi, along with a strong spin department, will help the team cope with the absence of Pathirana and Harshit Rana.
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