Will Matheesha Pathirana play today for KKR vs RR in IPL 2026?
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KKR had bought Matheesha Pathirana for INR 18 crore in the 2026 IPL mini-auction.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) already find themselves in do-or-die territory after remaining winless at the end of their first six matches in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. So far, they have just one point on the board, thanks to rain in what could have potentially resulted in another defeat against the Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Captain Ajinkya Rahane and his men are under immense pressure, and they will be looking to end their dry spell against the relatively high flying Rajasthan Royals (RR). The Men in Pink suffered their first defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), which ended their four-match winning streak.
Despite the loss, RR enter this clash as firm favorites, thanks to their formidable opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Moreover, RR’s bowling is easily one of the best in this year’s competition, further bolstering their team.
Will Matheesha Pathirana play today for KKR vs RR in IPL 2026?
Match 28 of the IPL 2026 between KKR and RR will take place at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. In the spotlight will be Sri Lankan quick Matheesha Pathirana, who fetched 18 Crores at the auction ahead of this IPL season.
However, his entry to the KKR setup was delayed significantly after he picked up a calf strain at the T20 World Cup 2026. Since then, Pathirana underwent rehab under Sri Lankan Cricket Board, and according to reports, he was set to land in Kolkata on Saturday.
He joined KKR on Saturday, and one can expect KKR to draft him immediately into the playing XI, which will reduce their fast bowling woes.
Rovman Powell, who has had a decent IPL 2026 so far, might face the axe due to the restriction on overseas players. Should he play the match against RR, it would be his first IPL match for a team outside the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Across the 32 matches he has played in the league so far, he has picked 47 wickets, often bowling the toughest overs.
Will Matheesha Pathirana play for KKR vs RR?
He is expected to join the squad soon, and if available in time, KKR may include him in the playing XI.
Why was Pathirana’s arrival delayed?
His recovery from injury and rehabilitation under Sri Lanka Cricket delayed his return to IPL action.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.