Kolkata: Sri Lanka international Matheesha Pathirana joined the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad almost two weeks ago, but has yet to play in IPL 2026. He was available for matches against Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants, but the team management did not include him in the playing XI.
Recent participation in training sessions indicates that Pathirana is nearing full fitness, heightening speculation about whether he will be included in the lineup for the upcoming match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. KKR’s bowling coach, Tim Southee, addressed the situation, stating that the team is assessing both the conditions and the tactical balance of the squad.
“Yeah, he’s arrived. He’s been around the group for a little bit now. So, we’ll look at conditions and make a decision on the side that we think’s best for tomorrow’s game. He’s been bowling well at training, and it’s great to have him as a part of the side,” said Southee.
Pathirana’s historical performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad is notable, with three wickets in three matches and a bowling average of 22. His past success against SRH’s Heinrich Klaasen is particularly compelling; he has dismissed Klaasen three times within the IPL, conceding only 23 runs from 14 deliveries. Southee recognized that individual matchups are important considerations, despite the complexities introduced by the four-overseas-player limit.
“Yeah, you take a number of things into consideration for selection. Obviously, the balance of the side and make-up of your team. With the IPL, your make-up with the overseas players has to change, so those decisions will be taken into account along with the conditions we expect to face tomorrow,” Southee noted.
KKR has secured back-to-back wins against Rajasthan and Lucknow and currently sits eighth on the points table.
