- By Namrata Vijay
- Sat, 16 May 2026 11:03 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
KKR vs GT IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders' premier fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana exited the field after delivering just eight balls in their IPL 2026 match against the Gujarat Titans on Saturday. This marked his first appearance of the season, following recovery from an injury sustained at the 2026 T20 World Cup.
After bowling his initial seven balls, Pathirana began his run-up for the eighth delivery but halted before releasing the ball. He received treatment on the field, delivered a slower ball, and subsequently departed the ground.
The Kolkata franchise acquired Pathirana for Rs 18 crore in last year's auction, yet he made his season debut only on Saturday. The Ajinkya Rahane-led squad has endured multiple injuries, with Akash Deep and Harshit Rana ruled out for the season, and Varun Chakravarthy also affected.
Talking about his fitness this week, Shane Watson, who is the assistant coach of the Kolkata-based franchise, had revealed that the bowler was ready to get selected in the playing XI.
“He continues to push his case. He’s fit and ready to go. He remains fit and available for selection, but the current balance and combination of the side have made it difficult for him to break into the playing XI", Shane Watson told reporters during the pre-match press conference.
Pathirana's absence could lower team confidence, as his skills had provided the squad with depth and a reliable option in key games.
FRESH INJURY CONCERN FOR PATHIRANA
Pathirana's participation this season was postponed by a calf strain sustained during the 2026 T20 World Cup. He missed the first half of the season while Sri Lanka's medical staff closely monitored him, and he was later cleared to play.
The calf issue may have resurfaced in his debut match. After bowling six balls, Pathirana struggled and received medical attention on the field. He was specifically tasked with controlling the death overs and adding pace variation to the attack.