Matheesha Pathirana. Image Credits: AFP
Kolkata Knight Riders will lock horns against Lucknow Super Giants in their eighth match of the ongoing IPL 2026. The LSG vs KKR match will be played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, tonight, April 26.
Notably, Ajinkya Rahane-led Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 season has been frustrating so far. Marked by inconsistency, batting collapses, and a struggle to find the perfect match combinations.
On top of that, the three-time IPL winners have also been marred by injuries to prominent players, such as Harshit Rana and Akash Deep, as well as the delayed availability of Matheesha Pathirana.
Latest Update on Matheesha Pathirana IPL return
Sri Lankan pacer, Matheesha Pathirana, has finally joined the Kolkata Knight Riders camp on April 19, giving the out-of-form side a major boost at a point in the season when they badly need reinforcement.
Managing only a solitary win in seven matches so far in IPL 2026, the Ajinkya Rahane-led KKR had been without the services of the slingy fast-bowler since the start of the tournament.
Pathirana had suffered a left calf strain during Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year. The injury had ruled him out of the tournament, keeping him out of the action for a long time.
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He remained under the supervision of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) throughout his rehabilitation period, causing Pathirana’s delayed arrival in the KKR camp.
Pathirana, as an asset for his nation, needed to clear Sri Lanka Cricket’s fitness process and obtain a non-negotiable No-Objection Certificate (NOC) before travelling to India.
Will Matheesha Pathirana play the LSG vs KKR in today's IPL Match?
It is worth mentioning that despite joining the KKR camp, the star bowler Matheesha Pathirana was not included in KKR's playing XI vs Rajasthan Royals on April 19.
As per the updates, he had come directly from Colombo after getting clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket. Earlier reports said that he is unlikely to play for the next whole week.
The team's medical staff was supposed to first assess his fitness over the next few training sessions before deciding. They did not want to rush him into playing so soon after his arrival.
Now, talking about his availability for today’s clash.
Pathirana's inclusion to boost KKR's
Pathirana, who was earlier with CSK, was bought by KKR for ₹18 crore in the IPL 2026. Matheesha Pathirana will most likely play tonight’s LSG vs KKR, as he has already received the final nod from the Sri Lankan cricket board and has also spent over a week under his IPL franchise, KKR’s medical staff supervision.
Notably, Pathirana’s inclusion in KKR’s playing 11 will offer a much-needed death-bowling specialist to a struggling bowling unit. His arrival is expected to strengthen their pace attack and help reverse a difficult start to their season.
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