IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) could receive a timely boost ahead of their Indian Premier League 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) as Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana expected to be available for selection.
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The match, set to be played at the Eden Gardens, comes at a crucial stage for KKR, who are yet to register a win this season and sit at the bottom of the points table with just one point from six matches.
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Pathirana’s participation in IPL 2026 had been delayed due to a calf strain sustained during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. The 23-year-old underwent rehabilitation under Sri Lanka Cricket before linking up with the KKR squad in Kolkata.
According to reports, the pacer has now joined the team and is in contention for immediate inclusion in the playing XI.
KKR’s bowling attack has struggled throughout the season, particularly in the death overs. Pathirana, known for his slingy action and yorker accuracy, is expected to add control and wicket-taking ability if selected.
His arrival could help address one of KKR’s biggest concerns in IPL 2026.
If Pathirana is included, KKR may need to reshuffle their overseas combination. Rovman Powell is among the players who could make way, given the four-player overseas limit. A final call on Pathirana’s inclusion in the playing XI is expected at the toss.
Led by Ajinkya Rahane, KKR are in a must-win situation as they face a strong Rajasthan Royals side, who remain among the top performers this season despite a recent defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (RR).
Squad:
Kolkata Knight Riders Squad: Tim Seifert(w), Ajinkya Rahane(c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Anukul Roy, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Kartik Tyagi, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy, Finn Allen, Tejasvi Dahiya, Navdeep Saini, Manish Pandey, Rahul Tripathi, Sarthak Ranjan, Rachin Ravindra, Prashant Solanki, Blessing Muzarabani, Saurabh Dubey, Matheesha Pathirana, Umran Malik, Daksh Kamra