Pathirana's Return to Bolster Struggling KKR Bowling Unit

Matheesha Pathirana’s clearance to play in IPL 2026 comes at a perfect time for the Kolkata Knight Riders. The franchise, which invested INR 18 crore in the pacer during the mini-auction, has been reeling from bowling failures. With Varun Chakaravarthy struggling for form and several pacers out with injuries, KKR's ability to defend scores has been compromised. Pathirana, known for his lethal yorkers and 47 IPL wickets from his time with CSK, brings much-needed death-over stability. His arrival on April 17 is seen as a turning point for the team’s playoff aspirations.