Matheesha Pathirana [Source: AFP]In a significant development, the latest Matheesha Pathirana injury update indicates that the fast bowler's return to KKR will be delayed further amid his struggles with fitness. Pathirana was purchased for a whopping price of INR 18 crores at the IPL 2026 mini auction. The fast bowler was supposed to spearhead the Knight Riders' bowling lineup in the IPL 2026. However, his persistent injury concerns prevented him from joining the KKR IPL 2026 squad in time, as he eventually missed the season opener against Mumbai Indians. The Knight Riders had a disappointing start to the season, losing their first match against MI. As they seek renaissance, the Matheesha Pathirana injury update emerges as a huge headache for the three-time IPL champions. Matheesha Pathirana's KKR arrival delayed furtherWhile the Knight Riders are waiting for Matheesha Pathirana, the Sri Lankan pacer's comeback has further been delayed. According to renowned Sri Lankan journalist Danushka Aravinda, Pathirana hasn't received the NOC from the cricket board. Danushka Aravinda provided the Matheesha Pathirana injury update, taking to his official social media account on X. The journalist disclosed that Pathirana has yet to receive the fitness clearance from the SLC Sports Science and Medicine Department. As a result, he won't be able to join the KKR IPL 2026 squad at least until April 15 or 16. Also read: Spin-Focused KKR Seeking Revival Against SRH’s Batting JuggernautsHe further explained that the pacer would be needed to pass a fitness test, scheduled for either April 15 or 16, to get the NOC and join the KKR IPL 2026 squad. Which matches will Matheesha Pathirana miss in IPL 2026?After losing their first game to Mumbai Indians, KKR are getting ready to take on SRH in their second group-stage fixture in the IPL 2026. Led by Ajinkya Rahane, the Knight Riders are scheduled to face Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings on April 6, 9 and 14, respectively. Therefore, the Matheesha Pathirana injury update suggests that the fast bowler is set to miss at least these three matches, as he won't be joining the KKR IPL 2026 squad until April 15 or 16.What could be KKR's bowling lineup in the absence of Pathirana?With Pathirana set to miss a few more matches, the Knight Riders are expected to persist with Zimbabwean speedster Blessing Muzarabani, who showcased remarkable form in the T20 World Cup 2026. The three-time IPL champions also have Vaibhav Arora and Kartik Tyagi as two core members of their fast bowling department. Arora can be a potent weapon with the new ball, while Tyagi could be their go-to man in the middle and death overs. The experienced Navdeep Saini recently joined the KKR IPL 2026 squad as an injury replacement for Harshit Rana. So, with the Matheesha Pathirana injury update predicting a delayed comeback for the Lankan ace, it won't be surprising if Saini makes his IPL return in the upcoming matches. The former RCB pacer has featured in 32 IPL matches, scalping 23 wickets at a strike rate of 28.6. Also read: South Africa's Ex-IPL Star Announces Shocking Retirement
