Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana is expected to attract a lot of attention at the IPL 2026 auction after being released before the season. He couldn’t match his earlier performances in 2025 as he was coming back from an injury, taking 13 wickets in 12 games with an economy of 10.13.
Even though last season wasn’t great, his overall IPL record, 47 wickets in 32 matches at an economy of 8.68, still makes him a valuable pick for any team. Known for his slingy action, bounce, and ability to bowl fast at the death, Pathirana’s breakout 2023 season made him a specialist in pressure situations. With franchises constantly searching for reliable bowling options, his skill set makes him a premium pick.
Rajasthan Royals could be one of the front runners to target Matheesha Pathirana during the IPL 2026 auction. CSK retained him for ₹13 crore last season but he didn’t have much of an impact due to injury troubles and limited production, so they released him. RR still has ₹16.05 crore left in the bank and clearly needs a big-time fast bowler who can assist Jofra Archer. Their pace attack struggled in IPL 2025, especially during the death overs, so they are searching for bowlers who can take wickets and defend.
The Kolkata Knight Riders have apparently expressed interest in acquiring Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana during the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Chennai Super Kings released Pathirana after four seasons, but multiple teams are still interested because of his style of bowling, accurate yorkers, and calmness in bowling at the death. Despite KKR releasing a number of players, is in a favourable position with space in their auction purse and depth in their bowling attack.
The team has Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora operating at the start of the bowling innings, but they will certainly look to get an experienced overseas fast bowling specialist to cover the death overs. Pathirana fits this bill perfectly, with a solid record of 47 wickets in 32 IPL games. KKR, having sufficient funds in the auctions and an obvious need for a top tier death overs specialist, should be one of the leading teams to nab him at the IPL Auction for 2026.
The Lucknow Super Giants are set to enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction with ₹22.95 crore and will be looking to address their weak pace attack. Matheesha Pathirana features highly on LSG's list of overseas targets. Last season was a struggle for LSG, as they lost several Indian fast bowlers to injury during the season, and even with trades of Mohammed Shami and Arjun Tendulkar, they still need a proven overseas fast bowler.
With Will O'Rourke and Shamar Joseph already released, LSG is now targeting Pathirana as their overseas fast bowling option. Pathirana would complement Shami perfectly, and add to the bowling attack balance that LSG lacked for most of the previous season.
