IPL 2026, KKR: After suffering five consecutive defeats, the Kolkata Knight Riders received a major boost. A player worth ₹18 crore has officially joined the team for the season.

IPL 2026, KKR Matheesha Pathirana: Currently, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are the only team in IPL 2026 that haven't won a single match. The team has played six matches, losing five and one match being abandoned due to rain. But now, after five consecutive defeats, KKR received a major boost in the form of Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana.

The franchise shared an official update announcing Pathirana's arrival. KKR shared a post on social media, which featured several photos of Pathirana. One photo even showed Pathirana being welcomed. Pathirana was acquired by Kolkata for ₹18 crore.

Was away from KKR due to injury

Pathirana was injured during the 2026 T20 World Cup. KKR did not include a replacement for Pathirana, instead waiting for the Sri Lankan fast bowler. It will be interesting to see what changes Pathirana's arrival brings to the team.

Although the franchise hasn't announced which match Pathirana will be available for the team, speculation is that he will be seen in the KKR jersey as early as the next match. The team's next match will be on Sunday, April 19th, starting at 3:30 PM.

IPL career of Mathisha Pathirana

Pathirana has played 32 matches in his IPL career so far. He played all of them for the Chennai Super Kings. This will be the first time Pathirana will be seen playing for a team other than Chennai. Bowling in 32 innings in the tournament, Pathirana has taken 47 wickets at an average of 21.61, with a best of 4/28.

Pathirana's international career

Pathirana plays white-ball cricket for Sri Lanka. He has played 12 ODIs and 28 T20 Internationals in his career so far. Pathirana has taken 17 wickets in ODIs. In addition, the Sri Lankan fast bowler has also taken 17 wickets in T20 Internationals.