Matheesha Pathirana. Image Credits: AFPMatheesha Pathirana’s availability for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2026 tournament has become quite a discussion point for both the team and the management. Pathirana was bought by KKR in the IPL 2026 auction for a massive 18 crore rupees.However, Matheesha Pathirana suffered an injury during the T20 World Cup 2026 tournament and had to undergo rehab and recovery back in Sri Lanka before getting the green light to join the KKR franchise for the IPL 2026 tournament.Matheesha Pathirana’s injury and recoveryMatheesha Pathirana has been a key bowler for Sri Lanka in recent times and was part of their squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 that was jointly hosted by Sri Lanka and India. However, he suffered a calf strain during a match for Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup.He then underwent intense rehab and recovery under the watchful eyes of Sri Lankan officials and was set to join the Kolkata Knight Riders once he received the NOC from the Sri Lanka Board. For him to do so, he had to undergo a series of fitness tests. He cleared the said test on April 12 and received the no-objection certificate to travel to India and join the KKR setup.Also Read: Ambanis and Goenkas Of IPL Receive Official BCCI Warning- Stay Away From PlayersKKR mentor Dwayne Bravo gives an update on Matheesha PathiranaThe Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana linked up with the Kolkata Knight Riders contingent on April 17 and was available to play for the KKR since April 19 onwards once he received the clearance from the KKR medical staff as well.But even though the KKR are struggling to maintain their chances of making the playoffs, the rookie fast bowler has yet to participate in nine games of the current season.When asked about Pathirana's possible return on Thursday before their match against the Delhi Capitals, KKR coach Dwayne Bravo responded that they are being careful even if he is close to making a comeback.“He is very close to playing, but we do not want to rush him because of the nature of his injury. We all want to see him back, but timing is important. It is great to have someone of his quality around the group again," Bravo told reporters.Matheesha Pathirana’s record in the Indian Premier LeagueMatheesha Pathirana, who is also known as ‘Babay Malinga' due to his bowling action being similar to the great Lasith Malinga, made his Indian Premier League debut for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2022. He picked up a wicket on his very first ball for CSK on his IPL debut and played 2 games in his first season.Overall, he has played 32 games in the IPL from 2022 to 2025 and picked 47 wickets with an economy of 8.68 and best bowling figures of 4/28. His best season for CSK was IPL 2023, when he took 19 wickets in 12 games and played a big role in CSK’s IPL win that season.Kolkata Knight Riders fighting to stay alive in the IPL 2026KKR have played 9 games and have 6 points to their name from 3 wins and have a net run rate of -0.539. After going winless in their first six games, KKR has won their last three games, giving them fresh momentum going into the DC encounter. The reigning champs must now win all five of their remaining games in order to qualify for the playoffs.Also Read: Virat Kohli Behind RCB's Losses- Key Reasons Behind Recent IPL Slump Decoded
