Matheesha Pathirana Injury Update (Source: AFP Photos)
KKR fans have been scratching their heads as they have plenty of problems to deal with in the upcoming IPL 2026. Among them, their biggest question at the moment is whether Matheesha Pathirana – their staggering INR 18-crore buy at the latest IPL auction – will be available.
While representing Sri Lanka, Pathirana suffered a calf injury during the T20 World Cup 2026. He was later replaced by Dilshan Madushanka, as the scan report suggested it would take several weeks for him to fully recover.
Matheesha Pathirana Told Not To Join KKR
Amidst everything, a KKR official made a shocking claim regarding the Matheesha Pathirana injury. As quoted by Anandabazar.com, one of the members of the Purple and Gold Brigade claimed that he is fully ready for IPL 2026, but the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is not allowing him to join the KKR camp.
"Even though he has recovered for now, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board is not allowing Matheesha Pathirana to join the KKR camp," an Ananda Bazar report read.
Also Read: CSK Match-Winner Ruled Out Of IPL 2026 Due To Injury
"There is no clear word yet on when Pathirana will join the camp. So we have to book his tickets and cancel them every day. We are in regular contact with him," a KKR official said, as quoted by Ananda Bazar.
With Mustafizur Rahman banned from IPL 2026 and the unfortunate injury to Harshit Rana, KKR had several concerns in their pace bowling department.
Therefore, seeing Pathirana get fully fit before IPL 2026 was something they desperately wanted, and now, it appeared like it was SLC who did not want to take any risks, considering prolonged Pathirana injury concerns.
Even though KKR signed in-form Blessing Muzarabani as a Matheesha Pathirana cover for IPL 2026, the three-time IPL champions would love to see Pathirana back in full flow from day 1 of the upcoming season.
Matheesha Pathirana IPL Stats
One of MS Dhoni’s go-to guys, Matheesha Pathirana, wreaked havoc since making his debut in IPL 2022. The Sri Lankan speedster, who has slingy action like one of their all-time greats, Lasith Malinga, was primarily their death-over specialist.
Pathirana was at his absolute best in IPL 2023, when he took 19 wickets across 12 matches at an economy rate of 8.01. He was impressive in IPL 2024 as well, taking 13 wickets in six games at an economy rate of 7.68.
In total, Pathirana has played 32 matches and has bagged 47 wickets with an economy rate of 8.68. The bowling numbers did not improve particularly because of his last season performance, where he conceded 10.14 runs an over, having scalped 13 wickets in 12 matches.
Notably, KKR's IPL 2026 journey begins on March 29, a day after RCB vs SRH opener. The Ajinkya Rahane-led side will face five-time champions Mumbai Indians, that too at Wankhede Stadium.
Also Read: KKR’s IPL Fate Turns Bad To Worse As 18 Cr-Buy Matheesha Pathirana Hobbles Off Field Injured
