Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of IPL 2026 after suffering a hamstring injury in their win over Gujarat Titans. They have signed wicketkeeper-batter Luvnith Sisodia as Pathirana’s replacement.

KKR had purchased Pathirana for INR 18 crore in the IPL 2026 auction, but an injury during the 2026 T20 World Cup meant he only got a No-Objection Certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket when KKR were four games into their season. Pathirana then stayed on the bench until their 12th game, when he came on as an Impact Player. However, he bowled just eight deliveries in his debut game for the franchise before trudging off the field having injured his hamstring.

Sisodia, who has been signed for INR 30 lakh, was part of KKR’s squad last year, and linked up to practice with the team on Saturday, on the eve of their final, must-win league game against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Eden Gardens.

He was previously part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad but is yet to make an IPL appearance. He has played 15 T20s, scoring 124 runs at a strike rate of 127.83.

While Sisodia is not a like-for-like replacement for Pathirana, he adds depth to their wicketkeeping department after Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who has been their first-choice wicketkeeper this season, was also ruled out of the competition after suffering concussion and a fractured finger when he attempted to take a catch against Mumbai Indians.

Tejasvi Dahiya filled in for Raghuvanshi behind the stumps and was later officially introduced as his concussion substitute.

KKR are sixth on the points table heading into the game against DC, and to make the playoffs they not only need to win big, but also hope that Mumbai Indians beat Rajasthan Royals earlier in the day.