Bad news for KKR: Matheesha Pathirana stays back in Sri Lanka ahead of IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Matheesha Pathirana is still in Sri Lanka ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Pathirana has delayed joining the Knight Riders squad due to ongoing rehabilitation. He suffered a muscle strain in his left leg and was ruled out midway through the T20 World Cup 2026.

Teams have started their preparations for the upcoming IPL season. The T20 World Cup has just ended, and Middle East tensions have delayed overseas players' return. Franchises are eagerly looking forward to their return so they can resume practice sessions alongside the domestic Indian contingent.

Matheesha Pathirana injury update - IPL 2026

According to an update by Cricbuzz on social media, Matheesha Pathirana is yet to join the KKR squad. The franchise hopes he will complete his recovery and join the training camp soon. The Knight Riders have two weeks remaining before the start of IPL 2026.

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⚡️ 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚 is yet to join up with the KKR squad for #IPl2026 as he is still undergoing rehabilitation with SLC. The fast bowler had suffered a muscle strain on his left leg and was ruled midway through the #T20WorldCup2026

Pathirana was signed by… pic.twitter.com/qWWudzDNwR

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) March 10, 2026

Pathirana issued an official update on his rehabilitation. In a recent Instagram story, he was spotted wearing intermittent pneumatic compression devices on his legs.

"Hello everyone! Just to clarify, I'm still in Sri Lanka continuing my rehab with SLC. I haven't gone to India yet, so please stay calm," Pathirana wrote on Instagram story.

"I'm still in Sri Lanka continuing my rehabilitation with SLC, I haven't gone to India yet. So please stay clam - Matheesha Pathirana pic.twitter.com/I2zI6UEKAp

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) March 10, 2026

Matheesha Pathirana's Massive Auction Price and Previous Injury History

Kolkata Knight Riders signed the Sri Lankan speedster for a massive ₹18 crore during the IPL 2026 auction. He was previously released by the Chennai Super Kings following the 2025 edition. He is set to play for a new franchise for the first time in his career.

Notably, Matheesha Pathirana has been highly prone to serious injuries recently. He claimed 13 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 7.68 in IPL 2024 before a hamstring injury ruled him out.

The right-arm fast bowler missed CSK's initial games in 2025, finishing with 13 scalps at an economy of 10.13. Overall, he has taken 47 wickets from 32 innings at an economy rate of 8.68 in the competition.

KKR Battling A Massive Injury Crisis Ahead of IPL 2026

The three-time champions have concerns ahead of the upcoming season. They are dealing with injuries and unavailability in their bowling department. The management recently had to release their premier ₹9.20 crore signing, Mustafizur Rahman, following a directive from the BCCI.

Although the Indian cricket board allowed them to sign a replacement, no official signing has been made yet. Furthermore, KKR are unlikely to have Harshit Rana. The right-arm pacer suffered a knee injury during Team India's recent T20 World Cup warm-up match against South Africa.

Harshit Rana underwent complex surgery for the massive knee injury. With the setbacks in bowling, KKR will desperately hope to get the valuable services of Matheesha Pathirana right from their opening game of the highly anticipated IPL 2026 season, which is set to begin on March 28.

Also read: "It was the best effort" - T Dilip picks Team India’s 'Jonty Rhodes' after T20 World Cup 2026 win