IPL 2026: Matheesha Pathirana back from injury, to join KKR camp soon

Matheesha Pathirana (Pic: X)

KKR has received a boost ahead of the IPL 2026 season as Matheesha Pathirana has received clearance from the Sri Lankan cricket board to join the franchise.

Pathirana was seriously doubtful for the forthcoming season after sustaining an injury during the 2026 T20 World Cup. Pathirana's return would be a relief for KKR, given their fast bowling woes even before the start of the season.

Pathirana has finished his rehabilitation and received the required clearance to play in the IPL, Sri Lanka Cricket Secretary Bandula Dissanayake informed PTI. Pathirana suffered a hamstring injury during Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup 2026 group game against Australia and went on to miss the remainder of the tournament as the co-hosts were eliminated in the Super 8 stage.

"As far as I know, he's fit and we have given him NOC to participate in the IPL, that's all I know at this point of time. He has completed rehab and he is fit. But the franchise will be tasked to assess his readiness. At the moment we don't know anything about that. As far as we know he is fit and ready to join IPL." Dissanayake told PTI.

Pathirana was highly sought after at the IPL auction

Pathirana was purchased by KKR for Rs 18 crore at the IPL 2026 auction as the three-time champions looked to change their team combination after finishing in eighth place during IPL 2025.

Since joining the IPL, the Sri Lankan pacer has become a specialist T20 bowler for the Chennai Super Kings. He has taken 47 wickets in 32 games for CSK since making his debut in 2022. The pacer had a tough last season for CSK, as he took 13 wickets in 12 games with an average of 32.62 and an economy rate of 10.14.

Pathirana's inclusion will ease the pressure on KKR's depleted bowling lineup. It is expected that Harshit Rana would miss the upcoming season while he recovers from a strained ligament in his right knee. Blessing Muzarabani of Zimbabwe replaced Bangladeshi seamer Mustafizur Rahman, who was freed earlier this year per a BCCI directive.

(With PTI Input)