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Pathirana Cleared for KKR, Set to Boost Bowling After Injury Recovery

Kolkata Knight Riders have received a significant boost with pacer Matheesha Pathirana clearing his fitness test and being granted an NOC to travel to India. The Sri Lankan fast bowler, bought for 18 crore, had been sidelined with a left-leg injury sustained during the T20 World Cup. He is set to join the squad but will miss the upcoming matches against CSK and Gujarat Titans, likely becoming available from April 19. His death-bowling expertise is seen as crucial for a KKR bowling unit struggling with injuries and inconsistency early in the season.

Key Points: Matheesha Pathirana Cleared to Join KKR for IPL 2026

  • Pathirana cleared fitness test
  • Granted NOC by Sri Lankan board
  • KKR's 18 crore auction buy
  • Likely available from April 19
  • Strong IPL record with CSK
2 min read

Pathirana clears fitness test, granted NOC from SLC to join KKR: Report

Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana gets NOC, clears fitness test to join Kolkata Knight Riders, likely available from April 19.

"Pathirana will only be available for selection from the subsequent game, on April 19 - ESPNcricinfo report"

New Delhi, April 12

Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders have received a big boost ahead of their Indian Premier League 2026 clash against the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday, as pacer Matheesha Pathirana has reportedly cleared the fitness test and been granted the no-objection certificate from the Sri Lankan board to travel to India and link up with his team, KKR.

Pathirana was purchased by KKR for a whopping 18 crore in the IPL 2026 Auction. However, his participation had been uncertain after a left-leg injury during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where he bowled only four deliveries against Australia before leaving the field.

According to an ESPNcricinfo report, the Lankan pacer has recovered sufficiently from his injury to travel to India. He is likely to join KKR there on April 17, the day of their next game against Gujarat Titans. However, Pathirana will miss the match against his former team CSK (April 14) and Gujarat Titans (April 17). The report said Pathirana will only be available for selection from the subsequent game, on April 19 at home against Rajasthan Royals (RR).

Pathirana boasts a strong record in IPL. He earlier played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), taking 47 wickets in 32 matches and contributing to their 2023 title win. His experience in bowling at death could help a KKR bowling unit that has lacked consistency, especially with injuries to the main pacers.

KKR have had a tough start to their campaign this season. They went down by six wickets to the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium and, upon returning home, suffered a crushing 65-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Their third match against the Punjab Kings was abandoned due to rain, which gave them a solidarity point. They suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Lucknow Super Giants in their last match. Leaving them with just one point in four matches.

The team has been losing the bowlers even before the start of the tournament. KKR lost Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked the franchise to release him from the squad, and their prime pacer Harshit Rana was also ruled out due to injury.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a CSK fan, it's going to be weird seeing him in purple. He was a gem for us. But that's the IPL auction for you! KKR paid a mountain of cash, hope he justifies that 18 crore price tag.
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Aditya G
Good that he's cleared the fitness test, but rushing him back from a leg injury is risky. KKR's management needs to be careful. We've already lost Harshit Rana. Player health should come first, even if we are desperate for wins.
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Priya S
One player can't fix everything. Our batting order is also collapsing under pressure. Yes, Pathirana will help, but the think tank needs to sort out the top order. Just 1 point in 4 matches is very worrying.
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Michael C
Interesting move by SLC to grant the NOC. Sometimes these boards can be difficult. His experience in Indian conditions with CSK is a huge plus for KKR. Could be the turning point of their season.
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Kavya N
Missing the match against CSK is actually good for him, less pressure. Can settle in against RR. But April 19 feels so far away when the team is losing every match! Need to support the boys till then. 🤞

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