Significant news has emerged regarding the IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Their key overseas fast bowler, Matheesha Pathirana, has resumed bowling, thereby raising hopes for his imminent return to the franchise for the 2026 IPL season. Pathirana, who was sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained during the T20 World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka, has not played any cricket since then. Following his recovery from the injury and subsequent bowling practice sessions in the nets, Pathirana's return has boosted the morale of KKR—a team that has yet to open its account this season. However, despite his progress, he remains unavailable for selection for the upcoming home match against Punjab Kings on Monday.
KKR acquired this T20 specialist in last year's auction for a staggering sum of ₹18 crore, with the expectation that he would play every match for them in IPL 2026. However, a sudden injury sustained during the T20 World Cup has sidelined him indefinitely, leaving all KKR fans in a state of uncertainty regarding his return.
When and how did Matheesha Pathirana get injured?
In the match played between Sri Lanka and Australia in Pallekele in February 2026, Pathirana could not even complete his first over. While delivering the fourth ball, he clutched his left leg and walked off the field. Scans revealed that he had sustained a calf muscle strain, which ruled him out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup matches. While some reports described it as a hamstring injury, officially, it is a calf muscle strain.
Matheesha Pathirana Injury Update
During the pre-season press conference, KKR Head Coach Abhishek Nayar stated that Pathirana is currently undergoing rehabilitation under the supervision of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC). According to initial estimates, he is expected to be fit to play matches by mid-April. However, reports emerging in early April 2026 revealed that Pathirana has not yet passed his fitness test and is still awaiting his NOC (No Objection Certificate). According to some sources, his fitness test is scheduled to take place around April 15–16, after which he will be able to join the KKR squad.
Matheesha Pathirana IPL Career
| Season | Match | Over | Run | Wicket | Average | Economy | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 6.5 | 52 | 2 | 26.00 | 7.61 | 2/24 |
| 2023 | 12 | 46.2 | 371 | 19 | 19.53 | 8.01 | 3/15 |
| 2024 | 6 | 22 | 169 | 13 | 13.00 | 7.68 | 4/28 |
| 2025 | 12 | 41.5 | 424 | 13 | 32.62 | 10.14 | 3/36 |
| Total | 32 | 117 | 1016 | 47 | 21.62 | 8.68 | 4/28 |
Also Read: Who has taken a hat-trick in the IPL from 2008 to 2026? (List)
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