Kolkata Knight Riders' Head Coach Expects Matheesha Pathirana to be Fit by Mid-April

Kolkata, March 21 (WISHAVWARTA) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Abhishek Nayar has expressed the possibility of Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana being available from mid-April. Pathirana, who was ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to a calf strain, is currently undergoing rehabilitation under the supervision of Sri Lanka Cricket. Pathirana played only three matches in the tournament and was forced off the field during the clash against Australia, raising concerns about his availability for the start of IPL 2026. During KKR's pre-season press conference, Nayar said, "According to the latest information we have received, he is with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board and has started his rehab. According to the latest information we have received, he will be fit to play matches by mid-April." "Looking at this time period, it looks like KKR will be out of IPL 2026 with a big blow," said Pathirana, who was released by Chennai Super Kings (KKR) after the IPL 2026 auction.