Matheesha Pathirana boost for KKR before RR clash; Will Knight Riders rush Sri Lankan amidst winless IPL 2026 campaign?

In a major boost to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad, Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is set to join the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise on Saturday night, just a day before their home game against Rajasthan Royals. Pathirana, who was bought for ₹18 crore at the IPL 2026 auction last December, injured himself during the T20 world Cup 2026.

Since then, Pathirana underwent a rehab under the Sri Lankan Cricket before officially getting the necessary No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the cash-rich league. Based on a report at India Today, Pathirana is currently in transit and will land in Kolkata on Saturday night. KKR host Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens on April 19.

Pathirana was originally scheduled

His return into the team comes slightly later than originally planned. The pacer was initially expected to join the Kolkata camp ahead of their match against Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans, which was held in Ahmedabad on Friday, April 17.

KKR secured the services of Sri Lankan fast bowler Pathirana for ₹18 crore after he was released by the Chennai Super Kings following a lackluster 2025 campaign. Over the course of his 32-match IPL career, Pathirana has claimed 47 wickets, with his most impressive performance occurring during CSK's 2023 championship season, where he recorded 19 wickets in just 12 appearances.