Why did Matheesha Pathirana miss GT vs KKR match in IPL 2026?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Matheesha Pathirana is not part of the ongoing KKR vs GT clash at Narendra Modi Stadium.
For the first time ever, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have started an Indian Premier League (IPL) season with five winless matches. Ajinkya Rahane and his men are placed at the bottom of the points table with just one point in five matches.
Every game for them has now become a must-win from here on. They are up against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the ongoing clash at Narendra Modi Stadium. KKR need this win in order to stay alive in the race for the playoffs. So far, the three-time champions have looked below-average with bat and ball.
GT have done well and are coming into this game on the back of two wins. Luckily, Rahane won the toss and decided to bat first. They failed to chase in the previous game against CSK. That could be the reason that they have looked to change the strategy. However, there are some notable absentees in the KKR’s playing XI.
Why is Matheesha Pathirana not playing in GT vs KKR clash of IPL 2026?
Finn Allen has been dropped from the team after his poor form. He has been replaced by Tim Seifert at the top. Another name, which is missing from the sheet, is Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana.
KKR signed him for a whopping INR 18 crore, making him one of the costliest players in the IPL 2026 auction. However, he is yet to make his debut for KKR in the IPL 2026. The pacer suffered a calf injury during the T20 World Cup 2026, which sidelined him from the action.
However, some reports confirmed that the pacer is recovering well, and we might see him in action soon. He has missed the ongoing game against GT in Ahmedabad because of his travel logistics and final fitness clearance from the team’s medical staff.
However, he is expected to feature in KKR’s next clash when they will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday at Eden Gardens. That could be the game when Pathirana gets his first game for the franchise.
Why is Matheesha Pathirana not part of KKR’s playing XI against GT?
Matheesha Pathirana is not completely fit and is not part of KKR’s playing XI against GT.
Who won the toss in the GT vs KKR clash of the IPL 2026?
Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and made a bold decision of batting first against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.
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Karan Rawat is a seasoned cricket writer with a deep passion for the game and over 5 years of experience covering everything that the game can offer. He loves to share the analysis, match reports, and player profiles and tries to bring stories to life with a unique blend of statistics and storytelling. Whether breaking down Test match tactics or capturing the drama of a T20 thriller, Karan's work connects fans with the soul of the sport.