Matheesha Pathirana for KKR. Image Credits: KKR
Ex-Chennai Super Kings pacer and Sri Lanka youngster, Matheesha Pathirana, has had a pretty woeful IPL 2026 season. Pathirana, who was brought in for Kolkata Knight Riders in the pre-season auction, played only one single match for KKR, where he went wicketless and also couldn't complete his spell due to a persistent injury he had been suffering from.
This worrisome injury has kept Pathirana aloof from showing his bowling skills that had earlier impressed his former team. Nevertheless, as things stand now, the Kolkata Knight Riders are opting for heavy trade options.
Hardik Pandya is one of KKR’s main interests, and Matheesha Pathirana has been named as one of the collateral to be swept away from KKR for the Indian all-rounder star.
The Consistent Injury Woe That Kept Matheesha Pathirana Out of IPL 2026
Pathirana has been recovering from injuries since the T20 World Cup 2026. Pathirana suffered the initial calf injury during a match against Australia, which forced him out of the tournament for Sri Lanka.
In mid-April, he completed rehabilitation and received a no-objection certificate from Sri Lanka to join KKR. However, when he finally debuted for Kolkata against Gujarat Titans, he walked off after bowling just eight deliveries due to sudden hamstring discomfort.
This already frustrated the KKR management, who had banked on Pathirana after the IPL 2026 auction as one of their key pacers in the lineup. This constant absence of Pathirana might have given the KKR management a thought to move away from the ex-CSK pacer. At least that is what reports are currently circulating.
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Matheesha Pathirana’s KKR Fate Sealed?
As the Kolkata Knight Riders are thinking of roping in Hardik Pandya, there were several rumours earlier that Pathirana or Angkrish Raghuvanshi might be one of the dispensable trade options that KKR could look at if they wanted to get their hands on the MI skipper.
However, according to a recent revelation from RevSportz journalist Subhayan Chakraborty, Pathirana is not an option for any trade for KKR.
As per the report, he will most likely be released ahead of the IPL 2027 auction, as KKR would like to invest in a talent that can perform on the field rather than remain out for almost the whole tournament due to persistent injury concerns.
KKR Pace Lineup Took A Toll In IPL 2026
Interestingly, Kartik Tyagi has been the highest wicket-taker for Kolkata this season, with 18 wickets from 14 matches, followed by Sunil Narine's 15-wicket haul from 13 games.
Among the pacers, after Tyagi, Vaibhav Arora and Cameron Green have managed to pick up the most wickets, with the primary bowling lineup being a constant concern for the franchise this season.
Nevertheless, the recent report of Matheesha Pathirana being released will only add to the troubles of the bowler, who hasn't featured in any matches since the conclusion of the Indian domestic tournament.
Pathirana Replacement Very Much Likely
He is currently rehabilitating his hamstring injury and will most likely miss the upcoming bilateral series that Sri Lanka is scheduled to play.
With Pathirana being one of the less important factors for KKR, the team management would surely like to replace him with another potential and viable pace option ahead of the next auction, likely during the trade window.
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