Published on: Apr 15, 2026 5:38 pm IST|Updated on: Apr 15, 2026 5:38 pm IST
The 3-time champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, have had a terrible start to their IPL 2026 campaign. After 5 games, they remain winless and are languishing right at the bottom with only a solitary point to their name, which they obtained while being involved in a rain-abandoned game against last season’s finalists, the Punjab Kings.
Amidst their lackluster form, the 3-time champions have received a timely boost. Their star Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is set to join the squad for IPL 2026. After weeks of uncertainty surrounding his fitness and availability, Pathirana has now been granted a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), clearing the way for his participation in the ongoing tournament.
Pathirana cleared his fitness tests on April 12, 2026, following recovery from a calf injury sustained during the T20 World Cup earlier this year. With the NOC secured, he is scheduled to arrive in India on April 17, just before KKR’s fixture against Gujarat Titans. While he will be with the squad for that game, his first realistic chance of playing is on April 19, when KKR hosts Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens. His inclusion will depend on passing KKR’s medical assessment, but all indications suggest he will be match-ready.
KKR’s bowling has been under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Despite strong batting performances, the team has failed to defend totals, with their death bowling proving costly. Injuries to Harshit Rana and Akash Deep, coupled with Mustafizur Rahman’s departure, have left the attack depleted. Pathirana, renowned for his slingy action and lethal yorkers, is tailor-made for the death overs. His ability to restrict runs and pick wickets in crunch situations could transform KKR’s fortunes.
At just 23 years old, Pathirana has already built a reputation as a specialist in high-pressure overs. His performances for Sri Lanka and Chennai Super Kings in previous seasons showcased his knack for handling tense finishes, making him one of the most exciting young pacers in the league.
KKR took a massive call by investing INR 18 crore for the Sri Lankan pacer at the IPL 2026 auctions. This price tag underlines the vitality of Matheesha in KKR’s bowling unit, particularly when they are 3 pacers short this season. The franchise has backed Matheesha to be their trump card for not only this season but for the future as well. His slinging action, combined with unique skill sets, makes him a lethal force in the T20 circuit, and KKR desperately needs him as they are yet to open their winning account for this season.
KKR’s campaign has been far from ideal. With three losses and one washout in their first four matches, they currently sit at the bottom of the points table. Their batting has shown promise, but the lack of a reliable death bowler has cost them dearly. Pathirana’s arrival is expected to lift morale and provide tactical depth.
The upcoming clash against the Rajasthan Royals on April 19 could mark a turning point. With Pathirana in the mix, KKR will finally have a bowler capable of closing out tight games. His inclusion also strengthens their overseas combination, giving them flexibility in team selection.
After four losses and a no-result game, the Kolkata Knight Riders are sailing a ship with a huge hole. Languishing right at the bottom, they next face the 2022 champions, the Gujarat Titans, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 17. Take a look at their next three fixtures.
Tags: IPL 2026