IPL 2026: Big boost for KKR as Matheesha Pathirana set to return for next match

Matheesha Pathirana has finally arrived in India for the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Soon after arriving in Kolkata, the Sri Lankan pacer went up for some training sessions at the Eden Gardens. He looked smooth and in rhythm in his run-ups in the nets. 

Kolkata Knight Riders got their first win after a 6-match-long winless streak. In those 6 games, KKR lost in 5, and one event was washed out. As the Mumbai Indians ensured a commanding win over the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad last night, KKR dropped from 9^th to 10^th spot again with 3 points in the bag and a negative run rate of -0.879.

Pathirana joins KKR camp after injury layoff

KKR’s next IPL 2026 fixture will be on Sunday, April 26, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, the home ground of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Ahead of the match, the arrival of Matheesha Pathirana has definitely bolstered the bowling strength of the Kolkata Knight Riders. Without Pathirana and some other key pacers, the bowling part of the team had to depend on a bunch of inexperienced Indian seamers.

Pathirana arrived late due to the fitness protocols set by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The sling pacer received his No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the board after proving his fitness level. So, as of now, there is no need to worry about Pathirana’s fitness. He is expected to make his debut in the KKR colors in the upcoming away fixture against the Lucknow Super Giants.

Will Pathirana play the next game? Fitness call to decide

“Really, it's exciting, and I waited for like two months to come here and work really hard for that, really excited. This is a new franchise, new backgrounds, and new colors, so yeah, very excited. (On personal milestones) I don't have that personal milestone and just focus on giving my 100 percent to the team, and after that, we can see the result. Aiming to make Kolkata Knight Riders win from here on? Yeah, we can try,” Pathirana said after joining the Knight camp.

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If the team management selects Pathirana in the playing combination of the match against LSG, then they will have to make some changes in the line-up. As the 23-year-old is known for his bowling, not batting, he can be used as an impact substitute.

In place of the West Indies middle-order batter Rovman Powell, Pathirana can make an entry into the match as an impact player if KKR bat first. And if they bowl first, then the scenario will be different- Pathirana in the playing eleven, and Powell as the impact sub. 

Huge boost for KKR’s struggling bowling attack

However, there is nothing finalized yet on whether Pathirana will play against the Super Giants in the away match. If the speculations are to be believed, then the Lankan quick is all set to play his first IPL 2026 match for the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Previously, he played for the Chennai Super Kings in the league. As of now, the distinctive T20 bowler has 47 wickets in 32 IPL matches with an economy rate of 8.68.