Kolkata Knight Riders’ ineffective bowling attack will get a boost with the Sri Lankan fast bowler. Mathisha Pathirana. It is expected to pass the Sri Lanka Cricket Board’s mandatory fitness test and receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket to participate in the tournament.It is not confirmed whether he will be available for the CSK match. However, TimesofIndia.com has learned that the fast bowler will join the KKR squad in Chennai. KKR are scheduled to play CSK in Chepauk on Tuesday.KKR have had a rough start to the season, with three defeats and one match ending in a draw. His problems have been evident in the death overs, where he has struggled to control the opposition batsmen. Losses to Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Supergiants highlighted these concerns, making Pathirana’s return crucial.The franchise signed him for Rs 18 crore in the auction. His participation became uncertain after a left leg injury during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where he bowled just four balls against Australia before leaving the field.Pathirana, who previously played for Chennai Super Kings, took 47 wickets in 32 matches and was instrumental in winning the 2023 title. His experience bowling at the death could help KKR’s bowling unit which lacks consistency, especially with key pacers injured.KKR’s concern is not limited to bowling. They are bottom of the table with one point from four matches. Captain Ajinkya Rahane has faced criticism for changes in the batting order. Cameron Green has yet to deliver, while Angkarsh Raghuvanshi has shown some promise.KKR will next face CSK in Chennai, where conditions may suit Sunil Narine and Varun Chakraborty.
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KKR had also earlier lost Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asked the franchise to drop him from the squad, and Indian pacer Harshit Rana to injury.
