The Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) plans for the upcoming IPL 2026 have landed in serious trouble, and Matheesha Pathirana has raised the tension. The three-time champions would have certainly loved to enter the new season with a dangerous pace attack, but it seems impossible at this stage.
Matheesha Pathirana, who joined the KKR for a huge Rs 18 crore price, has still not joined the squad. The Sri Lankan fast bowler is recovering from a calf injury, and his participation remains doubtful because he has not yet received the final clearance needed to travel and play.
The situation left the Kolkata Knight Riders camp worried. There is still no clarity on when Pathirana will arrive, and that has only increased the uncertainty. However, the KKR is staying in touch and waiting for an update, but the delay has already started hurting their preparation.
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A KKR source was quoted as saying to PTI, “They are yet to confirm about his joining. We are in constant touch, and almost every day tickets are being booked and cancelled for him.”
Pathirana suffered the injury during Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Australia. The young pace sensation had bowled four overs before walking off with discomfort. Since then, he has been recovering from a side strain, and presently, the franchise is not sure when he will regain match fitness.
Harshit Rana’s recovery time makes the problem worse
Meanwhile, KKR’s fast-bowling stocks have taken another major hit. Harshit Rana is also out of action. He suffered a ligament strain in his right knee during India’s T20 World Cup warm-up match against South Africa. The injury required surgery, and he is now in rehabilitation.
The bigger concern is that there is no fixed timeline for Rana’s return, which means the Kolkata side cannot build their plans around him at the moment. Now, KKR is searching for backup fast bowlers who can step in quickly and handle the pressure of the IPL matches.
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The team management has started looking closely at a few experienced names and some familiar faces from the IPL circuit. Among those under consideration are former Chennai Super Kings pacers Simarjeet Singh and KM Asif, along with seasoned domestic pacer Sandeep Warrier.
Simarjeet Singh, KM Asif, and Sandeep Warrier on KKR's radar
Simarjeet Singh, who often bowls at teh speed over 140kph, has emerged as one of the stronger options on KKR’s radar. He had already stinted with the Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Across 14 IPL matches, Simarjeet, who has yorkers that can trouble batters at the death overs, took 11 wickets. His speed, aggression, ability to handle big-match pressure, and IPL experience are luring KKR.
KM Asif seems to be the perfect option for KKR, given his ability to bowl fast (140kph) and attack hard,(140 kph) and he also has the IPL experience, having played for the Rajasthan Royals and CSK. There is also Sandeep Warrier. The 34-year-old made his IPL debut for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019 and went on to play for a couple of other teams, but he didn’t get regular chances.
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