Matheesha Pathirana Set to Join Kolkata Knight Riders Soon After Injury Recovery

Kolkata Knight Riders can feel a bit relieved as Matheesha Pathirana may join the team soon in Indian Premier League 2026. The Sri Lankan fast bowler missed the first few matches because he is still recovering from an injury. KKR have lost both games that they have played so far and will be hoping to open their account on Monday when they take on PBKS at the Eden Gardens, although they will be without the services of Pathirana in the game.

As per Cricbuzz, Kolkata Knight Riders are hopeful that Matheesha Pathirana will join the team soon, as he is recovering well from his injury. He was recently seen bowling in the nets at R Premadasa Stadium, but he was not bowling at full speed yet, according to the report.

KKR Await Pathirana’s Return as Recovery Progresses

 Pathirana, who was a part of CSK until IPL 2025, was bought by KKR for a whooping Rs 18 crore in the mini-auction by the three-time champions. The Sri Lankan fast bowler injured himself during the Sri Lanka vs Australia match in the T20 World Cup 2026. Bowling his first over of the game, Pathirana went down to the ground after delivering the fourth ball to Australia captain and opener Mitchell Marsh.

Speaking before the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians, assistant coach Shane Watson had said, “With Pathirana, obviously, it’s a waiting game at the moment. And we’re being guided by the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). And we are just doing everything we can to get him over here as soon as possible. Because of the calibre of support, the support staff, and the medical staff that we’ve got here at KKR. We’ve got the same interests as SLC as well. We want Pathirana to be here. We want him to be fit. We certainly would never push him any earlier than he needs to.”