Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were the heaviest spenders in the auction, and enter IPL 2026 desperate to bounce back after recording their joint-lowest finish the previous season.

The Sri Lankan fast bowler was bought by the three-time champions for Rs 18 crore at the auctions last year.

Bought for Rs 18 crore, Matheesha Pathirana has been recovering from a calf strain sustained during the T20 World Cup clash against Australia.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were the biggest spenders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction, but face uncertainty over star signing Matheesha Pathirana just days before the start of the new season.

When it comes to IPL 2026, several key names are already in race-against-time mode—some likely to miss the start, one ruled out entirely, and others clouded in uncertainty.

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Pacer Dilshan Madushanka was on Wednesday approved as the replacement for injured Matheesha Pathirana in the Sri Lankan squad for the T20 World Cup.

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KKR splashed Rs 18 crore on former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Matheesha Pathirana, with the deal raising a few eyebrows.

Question marks over Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana's consistency and action remain, even after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) splashed Rs 18 crore for him at the IPL 2026 auction.