Matheesha Pathirana (X-cricbuzz)
Mathisha Pathirana. Kolkata Knight Riders faced an injury scare during their long-awaited IPL 2026 debut against Gujarat Titans on Saturday when he walked off the field midway through his spell. The Sri Lankan fast bowler, who was making his first appearance of the season after recovering from an injury sustained during the T20 World Cup, looked troubled in just eight balls in his outing. Pathirana had bowled seven balls before being run out of his run-up trying to deliver his eighth ball. The medical staff immediately helped the KKR players and fans on the field as concerns spread. Despite the discomfort, the fast bowler completed one more delivery before leaving the field for further treatment. KKR invested heavily in Pathirana during the IPL 2026 auction, signing the Sri Lankan speedster for Rs 18 crore. His return was seen as a big boost for the former champions, especially with the team fighting to stay alive in the playoff race. The injury concern came on a night when the KKR batsmen completely dominated the Gujarat Titans in a must-win clash at the Eden Gardens. Earlier in the innings Finn Allen After avoiding two dropped catches, he made a brilliant attack by scoring 93 runs off just 35 balls with the help of 10 sixes. The explosive opener broke GT’s attack and provided KKR with a flying start after the Gujarat skipper. Shabman Gul Chose the first field on a sticky surface. After Allen’s dismissal, Angkarsh Raghuvanshi and Cameron Greene Continuing the streak of destruction, he scored an unbeaten half-century and a partnership of 108 runs off just 53 balls. Gujarat’s fielding nightmare made matters worse as they dropped four catches during the innings, allowing Allen, Raghunshi and Green to take full advantage. KKR eventually piled on 247/2, their highest total of the season and the highest IPL total against Gujarat Titans so far.
