Pathirana Joins KKR Squad After Injury Recovery

Kolkata, April 19, 2026 - Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has joined the Kolkata Knight Riders squad ahead of their Indian Premier League match against Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens on Sunday, providing a potential lifeline to the struggling three-time champions.

Pathirana, a right-arm pacer known for his slingy action and effective yorkers in the death overs, arrived late on Saturday after recovering from a calf strain sustained during Sri Lanka's group-stage clash with Australia at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier this year. He cleared mandatory fitness tests administered by Sri Lanka Cricket and obtained the necessary no-objection certificate, allowing him to participate in the 2026 season. The 23-year-old, acquired by KKR for Rs 18 crore at the previous auction after being released by Chennai Super Kings, was expected to miss the early games but linked up with the team following a brief delay in his return.

KKR, led by Ajinkya Rahane, sit at the bottom of the 10-team points table with just one point from six matches, earned in a rain-affected abandonment against Punjab Kings. The franchise has endured a winless start, including a failure to defend 220...