Matheesha Pathirana Walks Out Injured On IPL 2026 Debut (Source: AP Photos)
In a big blow to KKR, Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana got injured in his debut game of the IPL 2026 season. Competing against the Gujarat Titans, Pathirana went down in his second over of the spell.
Pathirana was unavailable for the first half of the IPL 2026 season due to recurring injury issues. His NOC was withheld by the Sri Lankan Cricket Board as they directed the pacer to complete his rehabilitation in Sri Lanka itself.
Matheesha Pathirana gets injured upon return to IPL
In the final stages of the tournament, Matheesha Pathirana eventually returned to participate in the IPL 2026 season. He came in as an Impact Player for KKR in their clash against the Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens, thus marking his debut for the season.
He bowled a brilliant first over, conceding just 7 runs off it. However, in the next over of his spell, Pathirana showed signs of discomfort. After bowling only two deliveries, the Sri Lankan speedster suddenly pulled up while running in to bowl, clutching his left calf in pain.
The physio rushed onto the field immediately as worried KKR players gathered around. Although Pathirana briefly tested himself with a short jog and even attempted to continue after encouragement from skipper Ajinkya Rahane, the pain appeared too severe.
Eventually, the pacer walked off the field midway through the over, bringing an unfortunate end to what was supposed to be his first appearance for KKR.
The setback was especially disappointing because Matheesha Pathirana had started sharply, touching over 145 kmph and troubling the batters with his trademark slingy action. His first over was economically and brought down GT's run rate to an extent.
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Pathirana's injury history
For context, Matheesha Pathirana had injured his calf during the T20 World Cup 2026 tournament. Since then, he has been focusing on his recovery under the guidance of SLC medical staff.
He was denied an NOC to participate in the IPL 2026 season during the first half as Sri Lanka didn't want to risk his long-term health. But for KKR, who spent INR 18 crores on him during the auction, it was a huge blow.
They had already lost Harshit Rana to an injury, and the absence of Pathirana led to an imbalance in their team dynamics.
Now, Matheesha Pathirana has clutched his calf again, meaning he may have rushed his recovery to justify his value to KKR. If this is the case, SLC won't be happy at all. Pathirana is their greatest asset, and his long-term absence could prove to be devastating for Sri Lankan cricket.
GT lose Sai Sudharsan in a steep chase
Coming back to the game, the Gujarat Titans also lost their key opener, Sai Sudharsan, to an injury. He was hit on the elbow by Kartik Tyagi and walked out of the field in extreme pain. He was batting at 23 off 13 balls when he had to walk back.
Also Read - Sai Sudharsan Retires Hurt Vs KKR, Shubman Gill's Partner Walks Back In Pain
However, Shubman Gill kept the momentum going as he is nearing his half-century. Still, the target is too steep for the Gujarat Titans as their fight continues at the Eden Gardens.
Earlier in the game, KKR had a blast in the first innings, scoring 247/2. Finn Allen destroyed GT with 93 off just 35 balls, including 4 fours and 10 sixes.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi supported him with a brilliant 82* off 44 balls. Cameron Green added the finishing touch at 52* off 38 balls as KKR went on to post a huge total.
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