Sensational Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathisha PathiranaWidely known as ‘Baby Malinga’ for his unique slinging action, he became the centerpiece of ipl 2026 auction Shortly after the record-breaking sales of cameron green,
surprisingly released by Chennai Super Kings Despite his proven expertise in the death overs, Pathirana was quickly recognized by many teams as needing an expert finisher with the ball. Starting at his base price of ₹2.00 crore, the 23-year-old waged a prolonged bidding war mainly Delhi Capitals (DC) And Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)Both the franchises are desperate to strengthen their pace core. In a late, decisive step, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)Armed with a big purse, they took the field and acquired the prized bowler for a whopping price of ₹18.00 crore, making him one of the most expensive specialist bowlers in IPL history.
IPL 2026 auction: Tough bidding war for death over specialist Mathisha Pathirana
Pathirana’s unique skill set, a slinging action that makes him difficult to pick, coupled with accurate yorkers and excellent changeup, made him one of the most anticipated fast bowlers at the auction. Despite being released by his former franchise, Pathirana’s proven track record of taking 47 wickets in 32 IPL matches at a solid economy rate of 8.68 ensured a bidding frenzy. Recognizing the usefulness of the Sri Lankan team, especially in the crucial last five overs of the innings, Delhi and Lucknow immediately engaged in a high-stakes duel. The bidding quickly crossed ₹10 crore and continued till ₹15.80 crore, where DC eventually relented, unable to challenge LSG’s continued aggression.
Just when it seemed that Lucknow had won the battle, Kolkata, who had already broken Cameron Green’s overseas record, entered the competition with huge financial muscle, completely changing the situation.
KKR’s late entry secures Pathirana in IPL 2026 mini-auction
Kolkata’s entry into the bidding war for Pathirana was both late and financially impressive, highlighting their strategy of acquiring two key foreign high-impact players early in the auction. Entering the race at ₹16.00 crore, KKR immediately surpassed the previous high mark, indicating their determination. The move forced Lucknow to raise the price even higher, but KKR’s huge remaining purse provided them with the necessary advantage to dominate their rivals. They eventually acquired the Sri Lankan slinger for an astonishing ₹18.00 crore, completing a remarkable auction spending spree that dramatically strengthened their pace attack.
His acquisition for ₹18.00 crore now means that KKR have acquired the most expensive foreign player (Green for ₹25.20 crore) and one of the most expensive specialist bowlers in IPL history in the same auction. This investment is indicative of KKR’s strategy to build a strong bowling attack around high-skilled, proven match-winners who can perform well in the pressure situations of the tournament.
The acquisition of Pathirana for Rs 18.00 crore is a strategic masterstroke for Kolkata, which perfectly addresses the significant deficiency in their pace attack, especially in the backend of the innings. After releasing key bowlers, KKR had the biggest purse and a clear mandate to rebuild their pace battery. Pathirana is a rare asset: a bowler who can consistently execute yorkers and slower balls, a skill that is invaluable in the high-scoring T20 environment of the IPL. Furthermore, his loose action means he requires specific practice from opposing batsmen, which provides a psychological edge that standard fast bowlers do not get.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Good luck in KKR friend.
– Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) 16 December 2025
Now the search for Mathisha Pathirana is going on.#TATAIPLAuction pic.twitter.com/dguh7u8v5h
– KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) 16 December 2025
So Pathirana was sold for 18+ crores in a mini-auction where most teams had limited purses, and that too after his only poor season. Just imagine what its price would have been in a full auction. This should be a real eye-opener for CSK fans, who had claimed that even Pathirana would not get the money…
– Yash (@yxshh27) 16 December 2025
Pathirana is a knight!
We are cooking and how!– Priyam Ghosh (@PriyamGhose) 16 December 2025
I don’t know, but it really looks like Pathirana could do very well in the upcoming season.
– Krithz (@ival_krithika) 16 December 2025
25.20 crores for Cameron Green.
18 crores for Methesha Pathirana.
Two big purchases for Kolkata Knight Riders..!!! pic.twitter.com/DzG543jYLN
– Deepak Paswan (@PaswanDeep12610) 16 December 2025
Not sure about this one! But I understand because death bowling has been a big issue for KKR in the last few years. High price but good buy! Welcome to KKR Mathisha Pathirana! #TATAIPLAuction #amikkr https://t.co/Y7j3xD9KYL
– See Good Shri (@shrispy24) 16 December 2025
Pathirana is lucky… his current is not even Rs 5 crore. Franchises are taking risks… KKR however had to take this risk.
– Arfan (@Im__Arfan) 16 December 2025
Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for a huge price of Rs 18 crores. #Cricket #kkr #IPL2026 #KolkataKnightRiders #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/AWfRuTpBjb
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 16 December 2025
Pathirana could either be our annual Venky Mysore brainfade or a maverick signing that changes our team. Nothing in between. But if you want to win the 10-man IPL, you need to take risks.
– Ace (@Destinazo) 16 December 2025
Also read: IPL 2026 auction: Owners and CEOs of all the franchises
