KKR receive big boost as Matheesha Pathirana joins camp after injury layoff (@KKR Photo)

IPL: KKR receive big boost as Matheesha Pathirana joins camp after injury layoff

Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana has finally arrived in the city to join Kolkata Knight Riders, giving a much-needed boost to the side that is currently languishing at the bottom of the IPL table.

19 Apr 2026, 08:01 by India Today Sports Desk · India Today

In Short

Matheesha Pathirana joined Kolkata Knight Riders camp after injury delay
Kolkata Knight Riders are yet to win their first game in IPL 2026
Pathirana cleared the fitness test and no-objection certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket

Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana has finally joined the Kolkata Knight Riders camp, handing a much-needed boost to an out-of-form side at a crucial stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The franchise shared visuals of the fast bowler's arrival, ending days of uncertainty around his availability and offering a timely lift ahead of their clash against Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens on Sunday.

Pathirana's delayed arrival was down to injury. He had suffered a left calf strain during Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year, which kept him out of action and delayed his IPL entry. He remained under the supervision of Sri Lanka Cricket during his rehabilitation, meaning KKR had to wait well beyond the start of the season for one of their key bowling signings.

The wait stretched further as Pathirana needed to clear Sri Lanka Cricket's fitness protocols and obtain a no-objection certificate before travelling to India. KKR coach Abhishek Nayar had earlier pointed to a mid-April return, and that timeline has now been met with the pacer linking up with the squad.

The franchise confirmed the development on Sunday, adding that Pathirana has cleared the mandatory fitness test before being granted permission to join the team. He has linked up with the squad ahead of their fixture against Rajasthan Royals, although he is unlikely to feature immediately. The team management is expected to assess his match fitness over the next few training sessions.

Bought for Rs 18 crore at the IPL auction, Pathirana was always expected to miss the opening phase of the tournament due to the injury. He had initially been set to join ahead of KKR's clash against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, but the timeline was pushed back.

His return comes as a relief for KKR, who are still searching for their first win after six matches and remain at the bottom of the table. The side has struggled in the pace department, especially in the death overs, and Pathirana's absence has been felt.

Known for his slingy action and ability to execute yorkers under pressure, Pathirana adds a different dimension to KKR's attack. He was brought in to handle the closing overs, an area where the team has lacked control so far this season.

KKR head into their match against Rajasthan Royals under pressure after a string of defeats. While Pathirana alone cannot fix all their problems, he gives captain Ajinkya Rahane an additional pace option and a specialist for key moments.

There is still some distance between joining the squad and being match-ready. The team will monitor his workload and readiness before bringing him into the playing XI. Even so, his arrival comes at an important time for a side looking to turn its season around.

- Ends