Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)hope to win Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 The campaign has suffered a deep setback. star pacer Mathisha PathiranaAcquired for Rs 18 crore in the recent auction, it has been excluded from the current auction t20 world cup And now there is a big doubt for the upcoming IPL season due to injury. This devastating news comes amid ongoing concerns over availability Harshit RanaKKR are struggling to find a reliable overseas pace option. The challenge for the Knight Riders is huge: how do you replace a death over specialist of Pathirana’s calibre, especially when the purse is already heavily invested?
Mathisha Pathirana Zero: ₹18 crore shortfall to be filled
Pathirana was envisioned as the spearhead of KKR’s pace attack, a unique slinger who could bowl unplayable yorkers and deceptive slower balls in the crucial death overs. Their absence not only creates a gap in performance but also creates a strategic dilemma. KKR will now be looking for a foreign fast bowler who has pace, wicket-taking ability and ideally is adept at handling pressure situations. The good news for KKR is that they will have a huge replacement purse to add to the unsold player pool.
Top 3 ideal replacements for Pathirana KKR can target for IPL 2026
Given the need for a high-impact overseas fast bowler, here are three strong candidates KKR should consider as Pathirana’s replacement
1. Alzarri Joseph (West Indies)
Why he fits: Joseph is not only fast – he’s actually intimidating. Regularly clocking in at over 140 kmph, he hits the deck hard and forces batsmen onto the backfoot. But what makes him more than just a fast bowler is his control and awareness of the game. His IPL record speaks loudly, especially that unforgettable 6/12 – still the best bowling figures in the history of the tournament.
Joseph can strike early in the powerplay, come back to break partnerships in the middle overs and even handle pressure situations in the death overs. Have represented many IPL franchises like MI, GT And rcbHe has proved that he can easily adapt to different team environments and situations.
KKR’s lead: On the fast, realistic surfaces of the Eden Gardens, Joseph’s pace and bounce can be a serious weapon. He doesn’t just stop – he attacks. With Pathirana unavailable, Joseph can step in as the aggressive wicket-taker who changes the pace of the game in a single spell.
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2. Fazalhaq Farooqui (Afghanistan)
Why he fits: Faruqi brings something incredibly valuable – diversity. As a left-arm fast bowler, he naturally creates different angles, especially troubling right-handed batsmen. He can swing the new ball, has tight control over his length and has developed a reliable mix of slower balls and yorkers for the final overs.
Across all T20 leagues, he has quietly built a reputation for being reliable under pressure. He may not always make headlines, but when it matters, he delivers.
KKR’s lead: KKR has historically supported Afghan players, and Farooqui will soon join the cause. His ability to bowl heavy lengths and bowl in the death overs directly fills the void left by Pathirana’s injury. He offers control along with wicket-taking ability – a balance that KKR will appreciate.
3. Riley Meredith (Australia)
Why he fits: Meredith is pure speed. When he gets it right, his pace and freakish bounce can trouble even established batsmen. Although he doesn’t mimic Pathirana’s clever variations, Meredith brings something equally dangerous – raw hostility with the ball.
He has shown glimpses of his potential during his IPL stints with PBKS and Mumbai, proving that he can destabilize the top order with pace.
KKR’s lead: Eden Gardens can reward fast bowlers who hit the deck hard and Meredith fits that profile perfectly. He can be used as an attacking option with the new ball or in the middle overs as a player who forces mistakes through pace alone. If KKR want an X-factor replacement, Meredith provides the element of unpredictability and aggression.
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