Sanjiv Goenka confirms rejecting Rishabh Pant’s request to buy Matheesha Pathirana at IPL Auction

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were keen to sign Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana at the IPL 2026 mini auction after strong backing from captain Rishabh Pant. LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka said that Pathirana was their top target, and the franchise stretched its bid to ₹17.8 crore before hitting its financial limit.

Pathirana was one of the biggest attractions at the mini auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 16. After entering the auction with a base price of ₹2 crore, he drew interest from multiple franchises. Delhi Capitals (DC) and LSG placed the bids before Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) signed him for ₹18 crore.

Pathirana was released by the Chennai Super Kings after the 2025 season. However, he ended up becoming one of the most expensive buys of the auction. Notably, CSK did not try to sign him for the upcoming season, which surprised fans.

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Rishabh Pant Was Very Keen on Matheesha Pathirana - Sanjiv Goenka

Sanjiv Goenka said that Lucknow Super Giants wanted to sign Matheesha Pathirana. Goenka added that missing out on Pathirana worked out well in the end, as LSG were later able to sign Anrich Nortje at his base price.

“Yes, our captain and vice-captain were both very keen on Matheesha Pathirana, as was I. We were also very interested in Anrich Nortje. Pathirana was our priority, and we went up to INR 17.8 crore, which was our absolute limit — we didn’t have the purse to go beyond that," said Goenka while speaking to broadcaster JioStar.

“When Anrich Nortje came up later, we were pleasantly surprised and delighted to secure him at the base price. So overall, it was a very considered, concerted, and well-thought-out decision,” he added.

Matheesha Pathirana has faced injury concerns in recent seasons. In IPL 2024, he picked up 13 wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 7.68 before a hamstring injury ruled him out for the rest of the tournament. The injury also forced him to miss the opening games of IPL 2025.

He finished the 2025 season with 13 wickets from 12 matches at an economy rate of 10.13. Overall, Pathirana has taken 47 wickets in 32 IPL innings at an economy of 8.68. The upcoming season will be his first IPL campaign with a franchise other than Chennai Super Kings.

We Are Very Close to Our Primary Targets - Sanjiv Goenka

Sanjiv Goenka explained that Lucknow Super Giants went into the auction with a clear plan and nearly achieved all their main goals. Goenka said that the team managed to sign two players from their final shortlist, including Anrich Nortje.

“We are very close to our primary targets. Our key objectives were to secure one quality international leg-spinner and one reputed international fast bowler. Wanindu Hasaranga was our first-choice leg-spinner, and for the fast-bowling option, it was between Matheesha Pathirana and Anrich Nortje," said Goenka.

“We are delighted to have acquired two players who were part of our shortlisted three, so we are extremely happy with how the auction has unfolded,” he added.

Players Purchased by LSG in the IPL Mini-Auction:

Josh Inglis (₹8.60 crore), Mukul Choudhary (₹2.6 crore), Akshat Raghuwanshi (₹2.2 crore), Anrich Nortje (₹2 crore), Wanindu Hasaranga (₹2 crore), and Naman Tiwari (₹1 crore).

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