IPL Auction 2026: Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana has created history in the mini auction of IPL 2026. KKR has bought him in their team for Rs 18 crore. He has become the most expensive Sri Lankan player in history. It was a great race for them.
Matheesa Patheerana in KKR: Sri Lankan young fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana has made a new record in the Indian Premier League. He has become one of the most expensive players in IPL history. In the ongoing auction in Abu Dhabi, Kolkata Knight Riders franchise tried its best to add this Yorker King to its team. There was a huge bidding war in the auction for him, but in the end KKR bought him by paying Rs 18 crore. Due to this, he has also become the most expensive Sri Lankan player in history.
There was tremendous bidding between 3 teams
There was a fierce race among 3 franchises to buy Mathisha Pathirana, popularly known as Baby Malinga. Bidding started with a base price of Rs 2 crore. First Delhi Capitals stepped forward, then Lucknow Supergiants came in between. There was a fight between the two up to Rs 15.80 crore, but after that DC took the lead. LSG had almost bought this player for Rs 16 crore, but then KKR entered. However, Sanjiv Goenka did not leave easily. But Kolkata had more money, so they won for Rs 18 crore. Now the question is, why did KKR run after him? Let us tell you 3 big reasons…
Pathirana is the master of death overs
Sri Lanka’s brilliant fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana is considered a master of death overs. He has done this earlier also for Chennai Super Kings. Especially when the ball is old, then the bowler becomes a threat to the batsmen. He has the ability to bowl slow balls. Apart from this, he is an expert in change of pace. On one hand, bowlers are afraid to bowl in 16-20 overs, on the other hand, Pathirana bowls yorkers and tricks the batsmen. In such a situation, it will be a big thing for KKR to have him in the team.
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Will get support from Harshit Rana
At the same time, KKR has also found a good option for Harshit Rana, who can reduce his burden. Harshit is currently the front line fast bowler in Team India. He has full ability to take wickets. In such a situation, with the arrival of another fast bowler Pathirana, the pressure on him will reduce because he knows how to take wickets very well. If Harshit proves to be expensive in the last overs, then Pathirana can compensate him well.
Pathirana’s record better in IPL
Pathirana’s IPL career has been excellent so far. He is playing for Chennai Super Kings since 2022. During this period, he has taken 47 wickets in 32 innings of 32 matches, in which his best bowling figure is 4/28. His average is 21.61 and economy rate is 8.68. However, the last IPL season was not special. He took 13 wickets in 12 innings. At the same time, he performed well in 2024 and took 13 wickets in 6 innings. In 2023, he took 19 wickets in 12 innings, while in 2022, he took 2 wickets. KKR can benefit from this experience.
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