Matheesha Pathirana is highly likely to feature in Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The pacer had earlier sustained a hamstring injury during the T20 World Cup, which not only kept him out of the tournament but also cast doubt on his participation in the IPL. However, the 23-year-old has since regained fitness and is now set to wear the purple and yellow jersey.
However, Pathirana is yet to be formally cleared by the SLC. Revsportz stated that the ones who monitor the recovery process indicated that could come on or between 25 and 27 March, just before the start of the tournament. The process depends on him reaching certain fitness levels, including the number of overs he needs to bowl at full strength.
Speculation has arisen online about a possible No Objection Certificate issue, although the case is simple. Speculation over a potential No Objection Certificate issue has surfaced online, although the situation is simple – contrary to the media report, Pathirana himself has not submitted an application for the NOC so far. Only when Pathirana clears all the fitness requirements by the national board will the related process begin. The processing of the paperwork is, therefore, likely to happen fast once the relevant national board conditions are achieved.
Pathirana resumed bowling
The pacer has already started bowling again in training sessions, although he has not yet reached full strength. However, confidence remains high amongst his camp that he will be able to gradually increase intensity over the next couple off days till he is able to tick the final boxes necessary for clearance.
On the other hand, KKR have been receiving regular updates regarding his progress and planning based on the expectation that he will be available sooner. This is especially true given the fact that he was purchased for INR 18 crore, and his return adds a massive boost to their pace attack. KKR’s bowling unit also looks pale in his absence as Pathirana is expected to solve the death-over woes.
If the pacer is given a longer leash to get into full shape, Blessing Muzarabani will play as the fourth overseas player. Either Finn Allen or Tim Seifert will feature in the XI in that case, with the other overseas options being Cameron Green and Sunil Narine.
