Will Matheesha Pathirana Play vs RR? Big Update on KKR Star in IPL 2026

KKR are in deep trouble in the 2026 IPL. They are rock bottom on the points table with not even one victory in 6 matches so far. The only point they have earned is through a washed out game and they were already at the top of trouble then.

The team has found it hard to do anything right in all areas of the game, the batting and bowling both haven't clicked, nor has anyone produced a brilliant display of cricket. Consequently the side looks short on match fitness and confidence.

Injuries haven't been kind to KKR this year. Harshit Rana and Akash Deep are already out due to injuries while Cameron Green the expensive signing, missed out on the first few games, having not been able to bowl due to injury concerns. Another key pacer who has had injury troubles is Matheesha Pathirana of Sri Lanka.

However there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel with Matheesha Pathirana given clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket to rejoin the squad. However the main concern is, would he play in the upcoming encounter against Rajasthan Royals?

Pathirana returns, yet there is still some way to go

KKR will face Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. A crucial match for both sides. The captain Ajinkya Rahane will understand another loss will almost bring their chances of qualifying for the playoffs to an end. They now require 7 wins in the remaining 8 matches to be in with a chance to qualify for the knockout stages.

For this they need all their players, and Pathirana will not be included in the match against Rajasthan Royals as he is expected to join the team on Sunday itself, and it will take some time to train and be match fit.

The next game for KKR will be against Lucknow Super Giants after a seven day break post this game, and it might just be a good game for Pathirana to debut for KKR this season.

High expectations from the star pacer.

Pathirana is regarded as one of the most dangerous death bowlers in the T20 format. In his elements he can turn around games with his sheer pace and action, but can have poor days at the office if he can't get into his rhythm. In his recent performances in the T20 World cup, he showed some fine form before getting injured. KKR would hope for him to return in a similar fashion to enhance their bowling line-up.

 In the last season he was a part of the title-winning CSK team in 2023. However, last season was one of the worse for him with him failing to replicate his past performances which in turn led to his release. KKR would now be hoping that Pathirana can have a good season with them. However, for now, KKR must just figure out ways to win games with the players they have at their disposal to keep themselves afloat in the competition.