Major update on Matheesha Pathirana’s joining date with KKR in IPL 2026

Matheesha Pathirana has missed all games for KKR in IPL 2026.

The absence of Matheesha Pathirana has created a big problem for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The young Sri Lankan pacer suffered a calf injury during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and has been out of action since then.

KKR’s bowling attack has looked weak without a proper strike bowler. The team has struggled to pick wickets in key moments. Senior bowlers like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy have not been able to deliver consistently. This has hurt the team badly in both powerplay and death overs.

The problem was clearly visible in their recent match against Gujarat Titans (GT). KKR failed to control the game in the final overs. A reliable bowler like Pathirana could have made a big difference. His absence has left a gap that no other player has filled so far.

Matheesha Pathirana to join KKR this evening or by tomorrow morning – Reports

There is finally some good news for the Ajinkya Rahane-led KKR side. Matheesha Pathirana is very close to rejoining the squad. The team management has been waiting for his recovery, and now things are looking positive.

Now, the latest reports by Danushka Aravinda suggests that Matheesha Pathirana is expected to join the KKR squad either this evening or by tomorrow morning. He is likely to arrive before their next home match at Eden Gardens.

There are chances that he could be available for selection against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 19. His return can boost KKR’s bowling strength in a big way.

KKR recently faced a tough five-wicket loss against GT. The team had a poor start with Rahane getting out for a golden duck. Young players like Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Tim Seifert also failed to contribute. Later, Rovman Powell and Cameron Green tried to rebuild the innings. Green played a stellar knock of 79 runs and helped KKR reach 180.

During the chase, GT captain Shubman Gill played a match-winning knock of 86 runs. Though KKR made a slight comeback after his wicket, they could not stop GT from winning in the final over.

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