IPL: KKR's Matheesha Pathirana clears fitness test, likely to join squad ahead of CSK clash

Kolkata Knight Riders' depleted bowling attack is set to receive a boost, with Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana clearing the mandatory fitness test of Sri Lanka cricket board and expected to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket to take part in the tournament.

It is not confirmed if he will be available for the CSK match. However, TimesofIndia.com has learnt that the pacer will join the KKR squad in Chennai. KKR are scheduled to play CSK at Chepauk on Tuesday.

KKR have had a difficult start to the season, with three defeats and one match ending without a result. Their issues have been clear in the death overs, where they have struggled to control opposition batters. Losses to Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants highlighted these concerns, making Pathirana’s return important.

The franchise signed him for Rs 18 crore at the auction. His participation had been uncertain after a left-leg injury during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where he bowled only four deliveries against Australia before leaving the field.

Pathirana earlier played for Chennai Super Kings, taking 47 wickets in 32 matches and contributing to their 2023 title win. His experience in bowling at death could help a KKR bowling unit that has lacked consistency, especially with injuries to main pacers.

KKR’s concerns are not limited to bowling. They are at the bottom of the table with one point from four matches. Captain Ajinkya Rahane has faced criticism over changes in the batting order. Cameron Green has not delivered so far, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi has shown some promise.

KKR next face CSK in Chennai, where conditions could suit Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy.

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KKR earlier also lost Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked the franchise to release him from the squad, and India pacer Harshit Rana due to injury.