Last Updated: June 28, 2026 05:02 PM
KKR planning to release Matheesha Pathirana ahead of IPL 2027. Sri Lankan pacer’s future looks uncertain with the franchise now. High salaries and fitness issues are creating major problems there.
Matheesha Pathirana’s future with KKR appears to be ending. Cricket fans are questioning whether he will stay with the team. Let’s understand why KKR wants to release him completely.
Matheesha Pathirana’s Future with KKR Uncertain Due to Injuries
Matheesha Pathirana’s future with KKR looks very uncertain now. Recurring fitness issues have severely limited his availability. The IPL 2026 season proved extremely difficult for the pacer. He missed most of the first half of the tournament.
Injury sustained during the T20 World Cup caused major problems. Required NOC from Sri Lanka Cricket to get approval. Upon debut against the Gujarat Titans, he suffered a hamstring injury. Bowled only 1.2 overs before getting injured badly. This forced KKR to make changes to its plans.
Further injuries affected the team’s bowling attack very badly. Matheesha Pathirana’s future with KKR became questionable after this. The young pacer couldn’t contribute much to team success. Fitness concerns are a major reason for potential release now.
High Salary and KKR’s Bowling Department Issues
Matheesha Pathirana’s ₹18 crore salary is extremely expensive honestly. KKR is questioning whether the player justifies such a high cost. Limited appearances in IPL 2026 made the salary seem wasteful. The franchise already struggled with other pace bowling issues too.
Harshit Rana ruled out for the entire season with an injury. Akash Deep is also sidelined for the entire IPL 2026 season. Cameron Green faced workload issues throughout the tournament. KKR shifted toward a spin-heavy bowling attack during the season.
Inexperienced pace bowlers like Vaibhav Arora got opportunities. Saurabh Dubey and Kartik Tyagi played more matches. Blessing Muzarabani also got chances in the bowling lineup.
Mustafizur Rahman was released by the BCCI before the season started. IPL 2027 planning requires KKR to make tough decisions. Releasing an expensive injured player makes financial sense for them.
KKR’s Poor Season and Future Impact on IPL 2027
KKR endured a disappointing IPL 2026 season finishing poorly ranked. Missed playoffs for the fourth time in five editions. A poor start to the season cost them dearly overall. The first win came only on April 19. Won six of the last seven matches but it was too late.
Matheesha Pathirana’s future with KKR is now being reconsidered. Release would save money for the IPL 2027 auction. KKR can invest in healthier bowling options.
Franchise planning major squad changes for the upcoming season. Young talent could replace injured and expensive players. IPL 2027 will see a different KKR team composition.
