Matisha Pathirana left KKR. (Photo- PTI)
Kolkata Knight Riders: The troubles of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are continuously increasing in IPL 2026. Before the last league match, the team has suffered a big setback. Star fast bowler Matisha Pathirana is out of the season due to hamstring injury. In his place, Karnataka wicketkeeper-batsman Luvnith Sisodia has been included in the team. Kolkata team had spent a lot of money on Matisha Pathirana in the auction. But due to injury he could not live up to the expectations of the team.
Matisha Pathirana left KKR
Matisha Pathirana was injured during the recent match played against Gujarat Titans. He had to leave the field after bowling only 1.2 overs. Due to which he had to separate from the team. This was also the debut match of Matisha Pathirana for Kolkata, due to which KKR fans waited for 11 matches. But now he will not be a part of the team in the last league match against Delhi Capitals.
🚨 News 🚨
Kolkata Knight Riders pick Luvnith Sisodia as a replacement for injured Matheesha Pathirana.
More Details🔽 | #TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | @KKRiders https://t.co/qTjizFUI17
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 24, 2026
Let us tell you, KKR had spent Rs 18 crore on Matisha Pathirana in the last auction. The team wanted to make him a lethal weapon in the death overs, but injuries ruined their plan. Pathirana’s season was already affected by a left calf injury during the T20 World Cup. Due to which, at the beginning of IPL 2026, Matisha Pathirana did not get NOC from the Sri Lanka Cricket Board to play in IPL 2026. He joined the team in the middle of April.
Big opportunity for Sisodia
Luvneeth Sisodia is a left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman who has played 15 T20 matches for Karnataka, but is yet to make his IPL debut. His inclusion in place of Pathirana is not a like-for-like replacement, as a wicketkeeper-batsman is coming in place of a fast bowler. Sisodia has previously been associated with both RCB and KKR teams and was also bought by KKR in the 2025 mega auction.
