KKR made a huge mistake? Ex-India captain tears into "Hit-and-Miss" Matheesha Pathirana signing

Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth has questioned Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) decision to sign Matheesha Pathirana at the IPL 2026 auction, which took place in Abu Dhabi on December 17. Srikkanth added that Pathirana ending up at KKR was expected, given Dwayne Bravo’s influence in the team management.

After being released by Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Pathirana drew interest from multiple teams before Kolkata Knight Riders secured him. He missed the early part of the IPL 2025 season while recovering from injury. The Sri Lankan fast bowler managed 13 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate above 10.

In 2024, Pathirana took 13 wickets in just six games at an economy of 7.68 before a hamstring injury ruled him out of the remainder of the season. Overall, he has taken 47 wickets at an economy rate of 8.68 and an average below 22. He will play for a franchise other than CSK for the first time in his IPL career.

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Matheesha Pathirana Is a Huge Risk - Kris Srikkanth Questions KKR Strategy

Kris Srikkanth questioned Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to invest heavily in Matheesha Pathirana. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said that the high bidding and final price caught him by surprise. However, he added that signing Mustafizur Rahman provides cover.

"Matheesha Pathirana is a huge risk. He's a hit-and-miss bowler. But KKR made a smart move by buying Mustafizur Rahman also. They've got a backup for Pathirana with Mustafizur. It was expected that with Bravo's presence, Pathirana would go to KKR. But I was surprised at his price and the number of teams that went for him," Srikkanth said.

Many Players Get Excluded After One Bad Season - Kris Srikkanth

Srikkanth also raised concerns about Lucknow Super Giants bidding for Matheesha Pathirana at a price close to ₹18 crore. He stated that many players lose opportunities after just one poor season and cited examples like Jake Fraser-McGurk and Devon Conway.

"LSG kept going for him until 18 crores. Is he such a big bowler to go for 18 crores? His performance was very ordinary in the last IPL season. Many players get excluded after one bad season. Someone like Fraser McGurk didn't do well one season, and he's not even in the scene. Same with Devon Conway," Srikkanth continued.

Cameron Green’s Buy Was Along Expected Lines” – Kris Srikkanth

Kris Srikkanth said that Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to spend big on Cameron Green was straightforward. He noted that Green commanding a ₹25.20 crore price tag at the IPL 2026 auction was expected. Srikkanth added that KKR would use Green at the top of the order.

"Cameron Green's but was along expected lines. 25 crores for him was expected, and he deserves it. The good thing for Green and KKR is that he'll bat in his preferred position. He'll play in the top three consistently and won't go to 4 and 5," said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).

The Knight Riders signed 13 players to their squad at the auction. They signed Cameron Green for ₹25.20 crore, while Matheesha Pathirana was their second-most expensive signing. KKR also signed Bangladesh bowler Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.20 crore, finishing the auction with just ₹45 lakh left in their purse.

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