Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana is still in Sri Lanka ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Pathirana has been delayed in joining the Knight Riders team due to his ongoing rehabilitation. He suffered a muscle strain in his left leg and was ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Teams have started their preparations for the upcoming IPL season. The T20 World Cup has just ended and the return of foreign players has been delayed due to Middle East tensions. The franchises are eagerly waiting for his return so that they can resume practice sessions with the home Indian contingent.
Mathisha Pathirana Injury Update – IPL 2026
According to an update from Cricbuzz on social media, Mathisha Pathirana is yet to join the KKR squad. The franchise is hopeful that he will complete his recovery soon and join the training camp. Knight Riders have two weeks left for IPL 2026 to start.
Not yet joined KKR team #IPL2026 Because he is still undergoing rehabilitation with SLC. The fast bowler had a muscle strain in his left leg and had to be out in the middle. #T20WorldCup2026
It was signed by Pathirana… pic.twitter.com/qWWudzDNwR
– Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) 10 March 2026
Pathirana released an official update on his rehabilitation. In a recent Instagram story, he was seen wearing intermittent pneumatic compression devices on his legs.
“Hello everyone! Let me clarify that I am still in Sri Lanka and continuing my rehab with SLC. I have not been to India yet, so please stay calm,” Pathirana wrote on Instagram Story.
“I am still in Sri Lanka and continuing my rehabilitation with SLC, I have not been to India yet. So please stay calm – Mathisha Pathirana pic.twitter.com/I2zI6UEKap
– Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) 10 March 2026
| Mathisha Pathirana – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Performance | ||
|
match |
bowling | Field |
| sri lanka vs ireland | 2-26 | Colombo (RPS) |
| sri lanka vs oman | 0/11 | Pallekele |
| sri lanka vs australia | 0/3 | Pallekele |
Mathisha Pathirana’s huge auction price and past injury history
Kolkata Knight Riders signed the Sri Lankan fast bowler for a whopping price of ₹18 crore during the IPL 2026 auction. He was earlier released by Chennai Super Kings after the 2025 edition. He is ready to play for a new franchise for the first time in his career.
Notably, Mathiesha Pathirana has suffered serious injuries recently. He took 13 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.68 in IPL 2024 before being ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
The right-arm fast bowler missed CSK’s opening games in 2025 and took 13 wickets at an economy of 10.13. Overall, he has taken 47 wickets in 32 innings in the competition at an economy rate of 8.68.
KKR facing massive injury crisis ahead of IPL 2026
The three-time champion has concerns ahead of the upcoming season. They have been struggling with injuries and unavailability in the bowling department. The management recently had to release its key forward Mustafizur Rahman, who has a ₹9.20 crore contract, following a BCCI directive.
Although the Indian Cricket Board gave them permission to sign replacements, no official signing has been made yet. Also, KKR is unlikely to have Harshit Rana. The right-arm fast bowler suffered a knee injury during Team India’s recent T20 World Cup practice match against South Africa.
Harshit Rana had to undergo complex surgery for a serious knee injury. With the bowling failures, KKR will be hoping to get the valuable services of Mathiesha Pathirana from the opening game of the much-awaited IPL 2026 season starting from March 28.
Also Read: “It was the best effort” – T Dilip picks Team India’s ‘Jonty Rhodes’ after T20 World Cup 2026 win
