KKR reportedly interested in Matheesha Pathirana ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released some of their key players ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction. The multi-time IPL-winning franchise will enter into the auction with a balance of INR 64.3 Crore. With this amount of money, KKR is expected to bid high for multiple exciting Indian and overseas talents. If the speculations are to be believed, then they can go for Sri Lanka international Matheesha Pathirana, who is released by Chennai Super Kings (CSK). According to rumors, the Kolkata-based franchise is interested in the pacer. Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin also believed that KKR could bid for the fast bowler who is known as 'Baby Malinga' because of his sling bowling action. 

Last season, Spencer Johnson and Anrich Nortje were the main overseas seamers bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders. Both of them are already released by the franchise. Pace bowling all-rounder Andre Russell also will enter into the auction as a free player. Overall, there are a total number of 6 slots left for foreign players in KKR. 

Pathirana was considered one of the exciting talents the Chennai Super Kings bought into their squad during the IPL 2022 season. From IPL 2022 to IPL 2025, he was with CSK. In 32 IPL matches, he got 47 wickets at an economy rate of 8.68. Though, during IPL 2025, he was a little bit out of form, claiming 13 scalps in 12 games at a high economy rate of 10.13. After these stats, CSK management decided to release him. 

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KKR can show interest in Matheesha Pathirana

KKR Retained Players: Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Anukul Roy, Harshit Rana, Manish Pandey, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Sunil Narine, Umran Malik, Vaibhav Arora, and Varun Chakaravarthy.

KKR released players Luvnith Sisodia, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, Spencer Johnson, Anrich Nortje, Chetan Sakariya & Mayank Markande (traded out).

Available Slots: 13 (including 6 Overseas slots)

Available Purse: INR 64.3 Crore.