New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders got a big boost ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 when Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that their star recruit Mitisha Patherana is “fit and ready to join the IPL”, allaying concerns over the franchise’s weak pace attack.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!With injury concerns looming over several teams this season, KKR were the worst hit, making Pathirana’s availability a temporary relief. The young fast bowler was recovering from a calf strain sustained during a T20 World Cup clash, raising doubts whether he would be fit in time for the tournament.Sri Lanka Cricket cleared Pathirana for IPL.Amid growing speculation, Sri Lanka Cricket Secretary Bandula Dissanayake confirmed that the fast bowler has completed his rehabilitation and has been cleared to participate in the league.“As far as I know, he is fit and we have given him the NOC to participate in the IPL, that’s all I know at the moment,” Dissanayake told PTI.“He has completed his rehabilitation and is fit. But the franchise will be tasked to assess his readiness. We don’t know anything about that at the moment. As far as we know he is fit and ready to join the IPL.”However, there is no clarity yet as to when Pathirana will join the squad, which is scheduled to leave for Mumbai ahead of its opening clash against the team. Mumbai Indians On March 29KKR pace unit gets much needed relief.KKR’s fast bowling resources were depleted before the start of the season. The franchise is already without Harshit Rana due to a knee ligament strain, while Mustafizur Rahman has already been released.To plug the gap, KKR brought in Zimbabwean pacer Blessing Mazarabani, while a number of home-grown pacers including Akash Madhwal and Navdeep Saini have been seen undergoing trials alongside Samarjit Singh.Pathirana’s return could be crucial for KKR, especially given his reputation as a death over specialist. Nicknamed “Baby Malinga” for his bold action, the fast bowler has taken 47 wickets in 32 matches since his debut. Chennai Super Kings In 2022KKR will also be boosted by the arrival of New Zealand players Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra as preparations gather pace. With crucial home fixtures against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings and Lucknow Supergiants at the Eden Gardens, the franchise will be hoping that Pathirana’s return will boost their title ambitions.
