Matheesha Pathirana has received his No Objection Certificate (NOC) to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, giving a boost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during their difficult start. The team has lost three matches, with one washed out.
Pathirana will travel to Chennai to join the squad ahead of their next games, according to News18. KKR has struggled particularly in the death overs, allowing opponents to score heavily at crucial times. Losses to Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants have highlighted these issues, making Pathirana’s return well-timed.
KKR invested heavily in the Sri Lankan pacer, signing him for a record INR 18 crore at the auction, which underscores his value to the team. However, his availability was uncertain due to a left-leg injury he suffered during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, limiting him to just four deliveries against Australia.
Pathirana previously played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he took 47 wickets in 32 matches and contributed to their title win in 2023. His unique bowling action and effectiveness in the final overs will be crucial for a KKR bowling lineup that has struggled, particularly with injuries to key bowlers.
KKR’s problems aren’t just in bowling. They currently sit last in the points table, having gained just one point from four matches. Captain Ajinkya Rahane has faced criticism for frequently changing the batting order, leading to unsettled combinations. Meanwhile, high-profile signing Cameron Green has yet to make a significant impact, although young player Angkrish Raghuvanshi has shown promise.
KKR will next compete against CSK in Chennai, where the spin-friendly conditions could benefit bowlers like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy. With their season at a crucial point, Pathirana’s return may be key to turning their fortunes around.