Latest updates on Matheesha Pathirana, Varun Chakravarthy (AFP)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), led by Ajinkya Rahane, are yet to open their account in IPL 2026 and have just one point to their name, which came from the washed-out game against PBKS. Thus, KKR will hope to turn the fortunes around at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday.
While KKR’s aggregate scores haven't been low, the lack of intent from certain players remains a talking point. In the first four games of IPL 2026, KKR had to go with an inexperienced bowling attack, for which they paid the price – three losses.
Suffering multiple setbacks in the first four games due to injuries the several key players, KKR will hope to have players like Matheesha Pathirana and Varun Chakravarthy back in action.
Latest update on Matheesha Pathirana's availability for IPL 2026
Often nicknamed "Baby Malinga" for his unique slinging action, Matheesha Pathirana was acquired by KKR for a whopping Rs 18 crore in the IPL 2026 auction.
However, before the start of the tournament, he had been sidelined since picking up a calf strain during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
That being said, in a major boost for a struggling Kolkata Knight Riders side, Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana has been granted the No Objection Certificate (NOC) by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after clearing the mandatory fitness test.
Also read: Matheesha Pathirana's Return Date To KKR IPL 2026 Squad Locked
The 23-year-old Pathirana is now cleared to join the KKR squad for the remainder of the IPL 2026 season, providing a much-needed boost to a bowling attack currently hampered by injuries.
Will Pathirana play in CSK vs KKR match today?
According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Pathirana is likely to join the KKR squad on April 17, the day of their next game, against Gujarat Titans, but will only be available for selection from the subsequent game, on April 19 at home against Rajasthan Royals, once he is also declared fit by the KKR medical team.
His delayed arrival means that he will miss the KKR's IPL 2026 clash against Chennai Super Kings, in Chennai on April 14.
Will Varun Chakravarthy return to KKR playing 11 against CSK?
Star Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy missed the game against Lucknow Super Giants due to a finger injury, as mentioned by Ajinkya Rahane.
Chakravarthy has experienced a challenging start to IPL 2026, struggling with form following the T20 World Cup. In his opening games for Kolkata Knight Riders, he went wicketless and proved expensive (economy rate of 13.17), with opponents successfully reading his mystery spin, leading to his omission from a recent crucial match.
Thus, many suggested that his absence from the game against LSG was due to his poor form.
Having said that, Varun, who plays for Tamil Nadu in Indian domestic cricket, is well familiar with the surface at the M Chidambaram Stadium. His familiarity could come in good use for KKR in the contest against CSK.
Also read: BCCI Releases Fresh IPL 2026 Schedule; CSK, GT Impacted
