Kolkata Knight Riders suffered a setback in the IPL 2026 as fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana was ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. Pathirana, who only bowled nine deliveries in the season, had joined the squad late after receiving a No Objection Certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket. He made his debut against Gujarat Titans but had to leave the field during his second over due to the same hamstring issue that had previously ruled him out of the T20 World Cup earlier in the year.
In his place, KKR brought in wicketkeeper-batter Luvnith Sisodia for his base price of Rs. 30 lakhs. Sisodia, who has previously been a part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and KKR in the IPL, represents Karnataka and has played 15 T20 matches, scoring 124 runs.
With Pathirana’s injury, Knight Riders will have to rely on their remaining squad members as they face Delhi Capitals in their last league game at the Eden Gardens. Their qualification for the playoffs will depend on the outcome of the match between Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals earlier in the day.
The team will have to regroup and put in a solid performance to secure their spot in the playoffs without Pathirana’s services. The unfortunate injury serves as a reminder of the physical demands and risks that come with professional cricket. The match against Delhi Capitals will be crucial for KKR as they aim to finish the league stage on a high note.
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