Why did Matheesha Pathirana miss KKR vs LSG match in IPL 2026?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Matheesha Pathirana has missed all games for KKR in IPL 2026 so far.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are taking on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in match no. 15 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. This contest is being played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 9 (Thursday).
KKR have played three games, and they have not won a single match. They are struggling to gain the momentum and have struggled to perform as a unit. LSG are coming off a win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the last game.
Ajinkya Rahane is leading KKR, while Rishabh Pant is leading LSG. It was Pant, who won the toss and put KKR to bat first in this crucial contest.
Why is Matheesha Pathirana not playing KKR vs LSG clash of IPL 2026?
KKR have struggled in IPL 2026 because of their bowling. They have conceded 220+ in two completed games they have bowled. KKR have suffered injuries to key players, especially Matheesha Pathirana, who was one of their biggest purchases in IPL 2026 auction.
KKR signed him for a price of INR 18 crore. But unfortunately, he has not featured in a single game for them so far. He is also not part of the ongoing game against LSG.
The pacer sustained a calf injury during the T20 World Cup 2026, which left him out of action. He is currently going through his rehab process and is yet to get the NOC from the Sri Lankan Cricket Board.
His absence has certainly made a big difference as KKR are struggling with the death bowling. Apart from him, Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, and Mustafizur Rahman are other absentees for KKR in the IPL 2026.
KKR vs LSG: Playing XI’s of both teams
Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane(c), Finn Allen, Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi(w), Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Navdeep Saini, Kartik Tyagi.
Lucknow Super Giants: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, Manimaran Siddharth, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Shami, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Prince Yadav.
Why is Matheesha Pathirana not part of KKR’s playing XI against LSG?
Matheesha Pathirana has not recovered from his calf injury, which is why he is not playing.
Who is leading KKR in the game against LSG in the IPL 2026?
Ajinkya Rahane is leading KKR in the game against LSG in the IPL 2026.
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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.