- By Sports desk
- Sat, 02 May 2026 07:45 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowling coach Tim Southee has said that the team will decide on Matheesha Pathirana’s place in the playing XI only after checking the pitch and match conditions ahead of their IPL 2026 game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
When did Pathirana join the KKR squad?
Pathirana recently joined the squad after receiving a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Sri Lankan board. Since arriving, he has looked in good rhythm during practice sessions and has given the team management a strong option to think about.
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“Yes, he's arrived. He's been around the group for a little bit now. We'll look at conditions and make a decision on the side that we think is best for tomorrow's game. He's been bowling well at training, and it's great to have him a part of the side,” Southee said in the pre-match press conference.
Pathirana's record vs Heinrich Klaasen
His good record against SRH batter Heinrich Klaasen could also work in KKR's favour, but Southee made it clear that team balance will be the main factor in selection. Pathirana has dismissed Klaasen three times while conceding only 23 runs from 14 balls in the IPL.
“Yes, you consider a number of things for selection. Obviously, the balance of a side, the makeup of your team. In the IPL, your makeup with the overseas has to change when you make those changes. So, those decisions will be taken into account along with the conditions that we're looking to be faced with tomorrow,” he added.
Southee on KKR's break
Southee also spoke about the short break KKR had during the tournament, saying it helped the team recover while keeping their momentum going after a couple of wins.
“A little bit of time off in the middle of the tournament has been great. It's nice to have a bit of a break, refresh, and go again. We had a little bit of momentum built before that break with back-to-back wins. So, hopefully we can carry on that form that we had in the games in the lead-up to the little break,” he said.
How does KKR deal with the afternoon match bowling without dew?
Talking about the upcoming afternoon match, Southee said bowling without dew will be a different challenge. He also admitted that SRH’s top order is very strong but backed his bowlers to rise to the occasion.
“I think an afternoon game is slightly different. Obviously, there's no dew. It's an exciting challenge for our bowlers to come up against a side that's in form. We know how dangerous this side has been, particularly their top three and then the likes of Klaasen and the rest through the middle,” he noted.
“I just see the game as a great opportunity for our bowlers. I think we bowled reasonably well to them in the first fixture. Anytime you come up against dangerous batters, it's always a great challenge for bowlers. I'm sure here we know it's a pretty good wicket. As a bowling group, they're excited for a big opportunity tomorrow,” Southee added.
KKR's performance in IPL 2026
KKR are currently in eighth place on the table with just two wins from eight matches. They come into this game after a thrilling Super Over win against Lucknow Super Giants.