KKR Boost Incoming? Matheesha Pathirana Set to Join Squad on THIS Date for IPL 2026

Fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana is set to join Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by April 6 for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The right-arm paceman who was bought by KKR for a massive Rs 18 crore is recovering well from a calf injury he picked up while training for the T20 World Cup.

Pathirana sustained the injury at training after his team pulled out of the T20 World Cup and has been in intense rehab and training to gain full match fitness. Currently, he is training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Sri Lanka and will appear for his fitness test next week, following which his availability would be decided.

Strict fitness rules are enforced by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) when any of their contracted players turn out in a league tournament. Each and every player must first undergo and pass the fitness test and receive the required points in order to secure a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to feature in tournaments like the IPL. Previously, RCB was severely affected as Nuwan Thushara failed his fitness test. Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis have passed their fitness test and have joined their respective IPL franchises.

Pathirana has been seen bowling in the nets at the very final stage of his recovery and is in no rush to make a comeback as the injury issues in the past forced the bowler to make a slow but steady comeback to the national side. With a long T20 season following followed by international matches, the Sri Lanka pacer has to be at his full fitness levels to make a return to his team. KKR is understood to have been keeping a close tab on the recovery of Matheesha Pathirana and will be a happy camp if the fast bowler is made available for selection in time.

Also Read | 3 RCB Players Who Might Retire After IPL 2026 Season

Big Concern for LSG as Hasaranga Likely to Miss IPL

As the Kolkata franchise awaits the good news from their star bowler, it has been reported that all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is also likely to miss the IPL 2026 season for LSG. The Sri Lankan has been bought by the Lucknow Super Giants in the auction but his injury hasn't improved as expected, and will likely prove to be a massive setback for the team in their bid for the title this season.