KKR’s Pathirana ruled out of IPL 2026 after injury relapse
Kolkata Knight Riders have signed Luvnith Sisodia to replace Matheesha Pathirana for the final league stage matches following a hamstring setback.
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have confirmed that Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana will miss the remainder of the IPL 2026 league stage due to a hamstring injury. The announcement was made on the final matchday of the league phase, shortly before the team’s crucial encounter against Delhi Capitals.
Pathirana, who was acquired by KKR for INR 18 crore during the IPL 2026 mini-auction, had already missed the majority of the tournament after sustaining the initial injury during the 2026 T20 World Cup. His return to action occurred in the team’s 12th match against the Gujarat Titans, where he was deployed as an impact player while defending a total of 247 runs.
During his brief appearance, Pathirana bowled eight deliveries and conceded nine runs before the injury relapsed, forcing him to leave the pitch. The recurrence of the hamstring issue has led to his immediate withdrawal from the tournament, with KKR stating he is ruled out for the remainder of the TATA Indian Premier League 2026.
In response to the vacancy, the franchise has named Luvnith Sisodia as Pathirana’s replacement. Sisodia, a wicketkeeper-batter who previously played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and KKR, was signed for INR 30 lakh. He represents Karnataka in domestic cricket and has played 15 T20 matches, scoring 124 runs.
The decision comes as KKR prepares for a must-win game against the Delhi Capitals, with the team needing to navigate the final stages of the league competition without their high-value signing. The specific severity of the injury remains unspecified, though the withdrawal applies to the league stage matches.
