New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were handed a massive boost ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after reports suggested that their new
Rs 18 crore recruit, Matheesha Pathirana, has recovered from an injury he suffered during the T20 World Cup 2026. Pathirana was ruled out of the T20 World Cup after suffering a leg injury in Sri Lanka’s third game of the campaign, vs Australia, raising fears about his participation in the IPL 2026.
However, a social media post by Pathirana’s manager, Amila Kalugalage, which showed a photo on social media showing him wearing the Kolkata-based franchise jersey, has eased the fitness concerns.
The indication from Kalugalage’s post is clear. Pathirana has fully recovered or is close to recovering from the injury and is all set to join the KKR camp ahead of IPL 2026.
🚨🚨 Pathirana’s manager posted this on Twitter👇🏼
He’s ready to rule in purple 💜 pic.twitter.com/M0F21MNtFW
— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) March 16, 2026
Huge relief for KKR ahead of IPL 2026
The reports of Pathirana’s availability come as a massive relief for KKR, who are already without premier all-rounder Harshit Rana. The Indian cricketer was ruled out of the tournament due to knee surgery.
The three-time champions are already without the services of ace Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, whose contract was cancelled by the franchise on the instructions of the BCCI, amidst heightened tensions between India and Bangladesh.
Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani was recently signed by KKR as Mustafizur’s replacement.
KKR signed Pathirana for Rs 18 crore in the mini-auction in December. The Kolkata-based franchise entered the auction with the biggest purse and locked in on the SL pacer after the Chennai Super Kings released him in the auction pool.
Pathirana was KKR’s second-biggest signing after Australia all-rounder Cameron Green’s deal of more than Rs 25 crore.
The former winners will look to bounce back from the dismal outing last season, when they finished eighth in the points table with only five wins during the season.
KKR open their IPL 2026 campaign against five-time winner Mumbai Indians on March 29 in Mumbai.
