Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been dealt an early challenge ahead of IPL 2026, with their high-profile signing Matheesha Pathirana unlikely to feature in the opening matches. The Sri Lankan pacer, who was bought for a massive ₹18 crore, is still recovering from a calf strain and is expected to return only around mid-April.

This means KKR will have to begin their campaign without one of their most exciting bowling weapons. The team opens its season against Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 29, followed by important fixtures against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – all matches Pathirana is likely to miss.

Abhishek Nayar opens up about Matheesha Pathirana’s recovery

Head coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed the update during the pre-season press conference, giving fans a clearer picture of the pacer’s recovery timeline.

“The latest update that we know is he’s obviously with the Sri Lankan cricket board and they took out his rehab. And the latest communication that we’ve had is, hopefully, somewhere mid-April is when they feel he’ll be match fit. That’s what we know as of now,” Nayar stated.

Pathirana’s absence stems from the injury he picked up during the T20 World Cup 2026, which forced him out of the tournament midway. Since then, he has been undergoing rehabilitation under Sri Lanka Cricket’s supervision.

Interestingly, Sri Lanka Cricket has already cleared him to participate in the IPL, with secretary Bandula Dissanayake stating that the pacer has completed his rehab. However, KKR appear keen to take a cautious approach, ensuring he is fully match-ready before bringing him back into the playing XI.

Bowling concerns deepen as KKR look for solutions

While Pathirana’s delayed return is a concern, KKR’s bowling worries don’t end there. The team is also set to miss young Indian pacer Harshit Rana, who has been a key part of their setup in recent seasons. Rana suffered a knee injury during a T20 World Cup warm-up game and is likely to miss most, if not all, of IPL 2026.

Also READ: IPL 2026 – Former CSK batter reveals the biggest weakness of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Nayar acknowledged just how big a setback this is for the team.

“Firstly, it is a big blow, because Harshit has been an integral part of this team for the last couple of seasons, including the championship season. He’s grown a lot as a cricketer over the years, so it’s not easy to replace him,” he admitted.

With two important pacers unavailable, KKR are now actively exploring their options. The team management, along with the leadership group, is assessing domestic bowlers who could step up and fill the gap.

“Over the last few days, we’ve looked at a few bowlers. We’re trying to evaluate, with the help of the leadership group, who fits in and who can do that role to the best of their prowess. We’re still evaluating that and haven’t made that decision yet,” Nayar added.

In the meantime, KKR have already made one adjustment by bringing in Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman. While that adds some depth, the absence of proven performers like Pathirana and Rana will still be felt.

As the three-time champions prepare to kick off their season, the focus will be on managing this transition period effectively. If they can stay competitive in the early games, Pathirana’s expected return in mid-April could provide the spark they need to build momentum.

For now, though, KKR will have to rely on their existing resources and hope their reshuffled bowling attack can rise to the occasion.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026

Punjab Kings (PBKS) fans can breathe easy – Lockie Ferguson’s absence from the early part of IPL 2026 won’t lead to any disciplinary action. The New Zealand pacer, who is set to miss the first seven matches of the season, has taken time off for personal reasons, and both the franchise and the BCCI are reportedly supportive of his decision.

Strict rule for missing the entire IPL season

At first, there was confusion because of the strict IPL rule introduced before the 2025 mega auction. Under that rule, any overseas player who pulls out after being picked risks a two-season ban. That’s exactly what happened to England’s Harry Brook when he withdrew from IPL 2025.

However, Ferguson’s situation is very different. He hasn’t opted out of the tournament entirely – he has only taken a planned break and will join the squad later in the season. As a result, his absence has been officially classified as “planned leave,” not a breach of contract.

“He is not available for the first seven games,” an IPL source told PTI. “Ferguson’s move is classified as a planned leave for personal reasons rather than a breach of contract or an unauthorised absence, and thus no sanctions are anticipated,” he added.

This clarity comes as a big relief for Punjab Kings, who finished runners-up last season and are looking to build momentum early in IPL 2026. Importantly, the franchise has taken a humane approach – recognising that some moments in life are bigger than cricket.

Also READ: IPL 2026 – KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar gives big update on Matheesha Pathirana’s availability

Ferguson prioritises family as Punjab Kings look for a strong start

The reason behind Ferguson’s decision is both simple and heartwarming. The 34-year-old recently became a father for the first time and wants to spend time with his newborn son and support his partner during this important phase.

Speaking about his choice, Ferguson made it clear that family comes first.

“Just had a wee son; trying to spend as much time as I can at home and help the wife out. I’ll have a few weeks off after this before sort of heading to the later stages of the IPL and away for the winter.”

He also spoke about the challenge of finding the right balance between professional commitments and personal life.

“Sometimes the hard part is deciding when to take a rest. This feels like the right time, especially since my wife was looking after the baby while I was at the World Cup,” he told Cricbuzz.

While he will miss the first half of the tournament, Ferguson has shown encouraging form leading into the IPL. In a recent T20I against South Africa, he delivered an impressive spell, picking up 1/9 in four overs, along with a three-wicket performance in the previous match. These performances suggest he will return sharp and ready for the crucial latter stages of the league.

In the meantime, Bollywood actress Preity Zinta-owned Punjab Kings are not short on options. The franchise boasts a strong pace attack featuring players like Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Xavier Bartlett and Ben Dwarshuis. Jansen, in particular, has been in excellent form and is expected to play a key role in Ferguson’s absence.

PBKS will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 30 in Guwahati. While they will have to manage without Ferguson initially, the team remains confident in its depth and balance.

Also READ: Shashi Tharoor reflects on meeting teenage Sanju Samson following Kerala star’s T20 World Cup brilliance

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 just days away from its much-anticipated start on March 28, excitement among fans has reached a fever pitch. The tournament promises high-octane clashes, fresh rivalries, and new narratives as franchises gear up for another intense season. Among the teams drawing significant attention is Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a side looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 campaign.

KKR, one of the most successful teams in IPL history with three titles, will kick off their season against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. However, despite the buzz surrounding their revamped squad, questions have begun to surface regarding the team’s balance and leadership heading into the new season.

S Badrinath points out KKR’s ‘weak link’ ahead of season opener

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter S Badrinath has stirred debate by openly criticising KKR’s leadership structure. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Badrinath described captain Ajinkya Rahane as a ‘weak link’ in the setup, raising concerns about both his captaincy and overall influence on the team.

“Ajinkya Rahane is definitely a weakness. His captaincy itself is a weak link,” said Badrinath.

Badrinath did not hold back in his assessment, suggesting that KKR’s management decisions have not worked in their favour. He highlighted that several high-value investments have either failed to deliver or been impacted by injuries.

According to him, the franchise’s faith in certain players has backfired. Promising pacer Harshit Rana has already been ruled out, while Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana remains doubtful due to fitness concerns. Additionally, Bangladesh left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman is unavailable, further weakening KKR’s bowling depth.

“All their big investments have gone wrong. They trusted Harshit Rana and invested in him, but he is ruled out. Pathirana was a huge signing, and now he’s doubtful. Mustafizur was another big investment, and he is ruled out. They’ve taken many costly decisions as there is uncertainty over most of their big investments,” added Badrinath.

Also READ: Suresh Raina suggests the perfect batting slot for Rinku Singh at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of IPL 2026

Can KKR script a turnaround and chase a fourth title?

Despite the criticism, KKR enter IPL 2026 with a sense of renewed purpose. After finishing eighth last season, the franchise has reshaped parts of its squad while maintaining continuity in leadership. The management has backed Rahane to lead the side, signaling trust in his experience and calm approach.

The squad, on paper, still looks competitive with a mix of experienced players and exciting young talent. If key players step up and injuries don’t derail their campaign further, KKR have the potential to challenge stronger teams. Their batting unit, in particular, has the firepower to turn games around, while their bowling—though currently stretched—could regain strength if reinforcements step in effectively.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders: KKR’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026

The narrative of Sanju Samson’s career has often been one of ‘what ifs’ and ‘could have beens.’ However, as the dust settles on India’s triumphant 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, that narrative has shifted toward a definitive ‘finally.’ Among those celebrating loudest is Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament and a long-time mentor figure to the Kerala wicketkeeper, who recently reflected on a prophecy made over a decade ago.

Shashi Tharoor recalls spotting 14-year-old Sanju Samson as Gautam Gambhir’s prophecy gains attention

Tharoor’s connection with Samson dates back to when the cricketer was just a 14-year-old prodigy. Even then, the talent was undeniable. Tharoor recalled telling the teenager that he was destined to be the next MS Dhoni. It was a heavy mantle to place on young shoulders, but it spoke to the sheer calibre of Samson’s natural ability.

However, it was a conversation with current Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir that provided the necessary perspective. As Tharoor reminisced about his early prediction, Gambhir known for his blunt and individualistic approach offered a correction that has now become legendary. Gambhir insisted that Samson didn’t need to be the next anyone; he was destined to be the first and only ‘Sanju Samson’.

“I’ve been a sort of uncle to him, I think, in some ways, because I met him when he was 14. I gave him a lot of encouragement. I may not be the most qualified cricket fan to do so, but I told him when he was 14 that he was going to be the next MS Dhoni. And when I recall those words some years later, my friend Gautam Gambir said he doesn’t have to be the next anybody, he’s going to be the first one and only Sanju Samson, and that’s how it has turned out to be,” Tharoor stated to ANI.

This prophecy reached its zenith during the 2026 T20 World Cup. Coming into the side during the high-pressure knockout stages, Samson displayed a level of maturity that had previously eluded him on the international stage. With 321 runs across five matches, including three consecutive half-centuries, he wasn’t just a participant; he was the engine room of the Indian batting lineup. Being named Player of the Tournament wasn’t just an accolade, it was the validation of Gambhir’s belief that Samson’s identity was unique and peerless.

Also READ: Former batter picks the ideal top-order of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2026

Samson’s new chapter: The CSK connection and ODI aspirations

While the T20 glory is still fresh, the cricketing world is already buzzing about Samson’s next move. On March 19, 2026, Samson arrived at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) training camp, marking the first time he will share an IPL dressing room with Dhoni. The sight of the two wicketkeepers in deep conversation sent social media into a frenzy, symbolizing a passing of the torch moment, even as Samson continues to carve his own path.

Tharoor, ever the advocate for his ‘nephew,’ believes this momentum should carry Samson back into the 50-over format. He pointed out the irony of Samson’s ODI hiatus, noting that his last appearance in the format featured a brilliant century before he was sidelined.

” This was somebody who seemed relentlessly focused, calm and composed, on top of his game. Nothing was allowed to disturb him. There was poetry in motion, I tell you, it was a joy watching him bat. And from here I want to see him getting back into the ODI squad as well. After all, don’t forget that his last innings in ODI cricket was a century, and they dropped him after that. So, let’s give him a chance again,,” Tharoor added regarding Samson’s recent form, urging selectors to show the same faith in the ODI setup that reaped such massive rewards in the T20 World Cup.

As the IPL 2026 season kicks off, Samson is no longer chasing shadows or comparisons. Under the guidance of Gambhir in the national colours and now alongside Dhoni in the yellow of CSK, the man from Kerala has finally arrived, not as a successor, but as a singular force in world cricket.

Also READ: MS Dhoni omitted! Irfan Pathan picks his ideal Chennai Super Kings lineup for IPL 2026

England’s white-ball stalwart Jos Buttler has addressed growing speculation around his international future following a disappointing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. While the tournament exposed a rare dip in form for one of England’s most dependable performers, Buttler has made it clear that he is not ready to walk away from the international stage just yet.

Jos Buttler opens up on his future with England after poor campaign in T20 World Cup 2026

The 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batter endured a tough run in the recently concluded T20 World Cup held across India and Sri Lanka. Managing just 87 runs in eight innings, Buttler’s performances fell well below his usually high standards. Despite England reaching the semi-finals, their journey ended with a defeat against eventual champions India, leaving several questions about the team’s senior players.

Speaking candidly on his podcast For the Love of Cricket alongside former England pacer Stuart Broad, Buttler did not shy away from acknowledging his struggles.

He openly admitted that the tournament was disappointing on a personal level, especially given his expectations and experience. However, the veteran also emphasized that a lean patch does not define his career, pointing to the strong form he has shown in recent years.

“Obviously I had a poor tournament, which is disappointing. But I have been playing some of the best cricket of my (career) in recent years, so hopefully I can get back to playing my best,” said Buttler.

Future uncertain but motivation remains strong

Buttler’s role in the England setup has been under scrutiny, particularly after he stepped down from white-ball captaincy following England’s underwhelming Champions Trophy 2025 campaign. Without leadership responsibilities, his place in the side will now depend purely on performance and selection dynamics.

Despite this uncertainty, Buttler remains motivated to continue representing England. He expressed a balanced perspective on his future, stating that selection decisions are no longer in his control but his ambition to contribute to the national team remains very much alive.

“I certainly have ambitions (to play for England again), but no longer being a captain, I am not a selector and whatever, so what will be, will be,” explained Buttler.

Also READ: MS Dhoni omitted! Irfan Pathan picks his ideal Chennai Super Kings lineup for IPL 2026

Time away from the game brings mental reset

Following the World Cup, Buttler chose to step away from cricket entirely, opting for a quiet family break in the French mountains. The decision, according to him, was crucial in helping him mentally reset after a demanding and disappointing tournament. He described the time away as exactly what he needed, allowing him to disconnect from the pressures of professional cricket. For a player who has been at the top level for over a decade, such breaks can often play a key role in rediscovering rhythm and focus.

“I couldn’t have been further away from cricket, which for me at the time was just perfect. It is exactly what I needed,” added Buttler.

Buttler is now set to return to competitive action in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), where he will represent Gujarat Titans. The tournament presents a valuable opportunity for him to regain form, rebuild confidence, and make a strong statement ahead of future international selections.

Also READ: Aakash Chopra predicts the Orange Cap and Puple Cap winners of IPL 2026

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may be the defending champions, but the upcoming IPL 2026 is already bringing fresh selection tension inside the camp, and Venkatesh Iyer will be the main issue.

They will kick off the IPL 2026 campaign against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be aiming for a fresh start after clinching the title after 18 years.

Venkatesh Iyer gives a big team selection problem

Ahead of the season opener, former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif feels the reigning champions could face a big headache while picking their best playing XI. RCB spent Rs 7 crore on Venkatesh Iyer in the IPL 2026 auction, but fitting him into the side may not be easy at all.

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Read Also: “Abhishek Sharma has not had a proper breakout season” – Ex-India opener’s huge statement ahead of IPL 2026

Kaif has pointed out that Devdutt Padikkal has been in sensational form since IPL 2025 and has carried that form forward in domestic cricket, which puts RCB in a tough spot. And then the Bengaluru conditions suit batters who like to attack and enjoy pace on the ball.

Mohammad Kaif said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “The wicket in Bangalore helps those batters who play on the rise, who love shot-making, and who play fast bowling well. Venkatesh likes pace on the ball. There is now competition in the 11s.

I don’t know where they will play him. Devdutt Padikkal has done very well. Talk about Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, or the coaches; they have made a great environment there now. They gave roles to players, be it Tim David or Romario Shepherd, and all delivered their best. They are making players now; this is the difference.”

Mohammad Kaif highlights big headache for RCB

The cricket pandit also highlighted the major concern on the RCB side. Josh Hazlewood will miss the early part of IPL 2026, and that could hurt RCB at the start.

The former Indian batter also feels RCB is likely to pick New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy in the playing XI as Josh Hazlewood’s replacement. He believes the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru pitch is not fully flat now and has a bit of spongy bounce, which could help Duffy.

However, Kaif believes that the 2025 IPL winners have shown that they know how to handle such problems. Last season, they surprised many teams by restricting them to below 150 several times, thanks to Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya’s stunning bowling.

Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma will have to play bigger

Now, with Liam Livingstone no longer in the squad, RCB may have to depend more on specialist spin options. Kaif feels Pandya and Suyash will now have to carry a bigger load in the spin department for the Rajat Patidar-led side, as playing three specialist spinners could weaken the pace attack.

Kaif added, “Now they will have to go with two spinners. If they play three spinners, they will have to give up on one pacer because you let go of an all-rounder in Livingstone. So, I see only Krunal and Suyash starting. Both had good control and accuracy. Both have become clever bowlers, and they will have a lot of responsibility this time too.”

Read Also: IPL 2026 Injury Updates Live: Full List of Injured Players, Replacements and Latest News

KKR have an abundance of options at the top of their batting order; hence, their biggest challenge would be to figure out what their batting order would look like. They would have options, including former openers, some dynamic overseas batters and lastly, the Australian all-rounder as well.

Kolkata Knight Riders rocked back in the powerplay in 2024, when Phil Salt opened for KKR alongside Sunil Narine. However, Narine himself failed the next season, and KKR could not find an apt replacement for Salt, as QDK and Rahmanullah Gurbaz both failed at the top.

They picked up new players like Finn Allen and Tim Seifert, who are the two new players in the KKR dugout who would play a significant role in 2026. The two Kiwi openers played a massive role for the White Ferns in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup.

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KKR’s assistant coach reveals Cameron Green’s batting position

Though in a major turn of events, the Kolkata Knight Riders are yet to finalize their batting order for the upcoming season of the IPL. Shane Watson, the former Australian all-rounder, was appointed the assistant coach of the KKR side, and he has now made a massive revelation.

Responding to a question about Cameron Green to India Today, he said that the franchise is blessed to have such players who flaunt world-class batting talent. The biggest challenge is to pick the right combination for the team.

“Obviously, with Cameron Green, the quality of cricketer he is as an all-rounder means that wherever he gets an opportunity, he is going to make the most of it,” the former Australian said in the interview.

Shane Watson praises the world-class talent pool of KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders will truly have a major dilemma on their batting front, as they are stuffed with too many batters in the same position. Supposedly, they have Allen, Seifert, Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine, who can all be opening options for them.

“The beauty of this Kolkata Knight Riders squad is the number of incredible, world-class batting options we have. It’s an embarrassment of riches in terms of the calibre of players and figuring out where they all fit in.

“That’s going to be the ultimate challenge for the leaders of this organization—to get those combinations right from game one and make adjustments as the tournament progresses,” Watson said at Eden Gardens in a press conference felicitated by JioStar.

Also, Rovman Powell might be the rescue agent for KKR in the lower order, who could be the power-hitting replacement for Andre Russell. Rinku Singh will have to play a crucial role for them in the upcoming season.

“We’ve got some seriously powerful, world-class players, along with a blend of experience and youthful energy. It’s exciting to see how that plays out over the course of the tournament,” he added.

KKR will struggle in the bowling department

Kolkata Knight Riders are heavily reliant on their overseas players in the batting department; however, they have to be very strategic with their pitch preparation. The pitch at the Eden Gardens often supports a batting-friendly track.

However, the Knight Riders would be struggling in their bowling department, as they are short of options in that department as well. They will not have Mustafizur Rahman and Harshit Rana. Matheesha Pathirana, the Lankan pacer’s inclusion, would also remain a major uncertainty.

In their absence, it will be tough for Kolkata to manage their bowling deck. Varun Chakravarthy’s form has also been a serious concern since the T20 World Cup 2026. They would also not have their fifth bowling option right.

ALSO READ: Venkatesh Iyer becomes headache for Virat Kohli and RCB ahead of IPL 2026

Ahead of one of the biggest cricket festivals—the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026)—fans have received another big piece of news, as the International Masters League is coming back to India for its second season.

After a hugely successful first season of the International Masters League, the tournament is ready to return with more legendary names and more nostalgic cricket action.

First Indian Premier League season was a hit, India Masters crowned champions

The opening season had already created a lot of buzz, with some of the biggest names in world cricket entertaining the fans again.

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All-time greatest legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Shane Watson, Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, and Kumar Sangakkara were part of the first edition of the tournament.

Read Also: IPL faces new crisis over SLC’s NOC snub

The India Masters won the first season, with the league becoming the second most-watched men’s T20 competition in India and reaching an audience of 246 million across television and digital platforms. That strong response has now paved the way for the second season.

International Masters League set for grand return in 2026

The organizers have announced that the second edition of the International Masters League will be held from October 24 to November 14, with the matches being played across three Indian cities – Mumbai, Vadodara, and Visakhapatnam.

Like the first edition, the upcoming season will also see six franchise teams battling for the trophy. These six teams will be from India, Australia, South Africa, the West Indies, England, and Sri Lanka. So, fans are all set to witness memorable moments on the field.

🚨 INTERNATIONAL MASTERS LEAGUE IS BACK 🚨

🥁 Date: October 24 to November 14

🏟️ Venue: Mumbai, Vizag, Vadodara

✅ Teams: India, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, England, Sri Lanka.

The Greatest Cricket Icons will be back. pic.twitter.com/kzR4igaGvl

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 20, 2026

The complete schedule, team squads, and ticket details are expected to be announced in the coming months. But the return of the IML has already created excitement among the fans.

Sunil Gavaskar promises bigger fun in International Masters League Season 2

Meanwhile, league commissioner Sunil Gavaskar feels the huge success of the first season clearly showed that fans still have massive love for the former legends. The former Indian captain believes that the second season will be even more exciting and entertaining for fans.

Gavaskar mentioned how fans will be able to see their favorite legends once again back in action. The legendary batter has stressed that their main aim is now to make the next edition even better and more memorable than the first one for the fans.

Sunil Gavaskar said in an official statement: “Season 1 of the IML reaffirmed that the magic of cricket’s greatest icons continues to resonate deeply with fans. As we return for Season 2, the focus is on elevating that experience, with greater competition, more unforgettable moments, and the same enduring passion for the game. Fans can look forward to seeing their heroes back in action, and I am confident it will be another truly memorable edition of the tournament.”

Before this event, several legends will be seen in the commentary duty in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026), starting on March 28 in Bengaluru.

Read Also: KKR assistant coach leaks Cameron Green’s batting position ahead of IPL 2026

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is just a few days away, as the franchises have their final round of training ahead of the mega event in India. One of 10 franchises, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hosted a press conference ahead of their first game against the Mumbai Indians on March 29, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

Ahead of the first game, the head coach, Abhishek Nayar, provided a massive update on the Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who was bought during last year’s auction for a hefty price of INR 18 crore. Matheesha Pathiranahas been out injured since February 16, 2026, as he picked up a hamstring pull during Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup group stage match against Australia.

KKR Head coach provides update on Matheesha Pathirana

Since then, Matheesha Pathirana has been doing rehab. His manager provided an update about his availability in the IPL 2026. As per recent reports, he has been fit but requires the NOC from the national cricket board and a fitness certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in order to participate in the league.

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During the press-conference, Abhishek Nayar provided an update about the premium fast bowler. He stated that the pacer will not be available for the initial games for the three-time winners and will join the squad mid-April.

They look after his [Matheesha Pathirana] rehab- Abhishek Nayar

Nayar said, “He is with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. They look after his rehab. The latest communication we sort of had is hopefully, somewhere in mid-April, they feel he will be match fit. That’s what we know as of now. That’s the update we got from the board. That’s how it’s looking now.”

“I think in any tournament with any team, once you lose some of the key bowling options, these are not things they plan for, but these are things they have to accept. The good thing about Indian cricket, especially at the moment, they have a lot of them.”

I think we’ll be fine- Abhishek Nayar

“So they have some guys that we are, as the coach mentioned, that we are looking at, definitely going to fill the spot. There are the likes of Umran Malik, Kartik Tyagi. These guys are also players who represent the national team at some point in time, and have also played in the IPL before. They are young and exciting talents,” he said.

Abhishek Nayar concluded, saying, “So, for me, personally, I’m happy along with Tim (Southee) to work with this group of fast bowlers. We have the best spin duo in the entire competition. So from a bowling point of view, I think we’ll be fine. Also, we can’t forget Vaibhav (Arora), who had a fantastic season last year, been the leader of the attack for a few seasons as well.”

KKR have the likes of Blessing Muzarabani, who have been in good form in the T20 World Cup. Picking up 13 wickets for Zimbabwe. So KKR might miss Matheesha Pathirana in their death overs as they do not have an out and out death bowler with Rana and Pathirana out.

Also Read: KKR assistant coach leaks Cameron Green’s batting position ahead of IPL 2026

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is just around the corner. As all teams have nearly geared up for the rich cash league. Ahead of the IPL, three-time IPL winners, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), held their first press conference ahead of their opening game against the Mumbai Indians on March 29, at the Wankhede Stadium.

Head coach Abhishek Nayar, Assistant coach Shane Watson, mentor Dwayne Bravo, and captain Ajinkya Rahane were present at the press conference. During the press conference, head coach Abhishek Nayar revealed whether KKR would be picking any replacement for Harshit Rana ahead of the IPL 2026.

KKR head coach provides update on Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana was ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to ligament strain in his right knee during India’s T20 World Cup warm-up match against South Africa. He has undergone surgery and was seen using a support while walking during the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Naman Awards.

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“Firstly, it’s a big blow because Harshit has been an integral part of this team for the last few seasons. All these years, he has grown into a good cricketer. We’ll always miss Harshit Rana, and it’s not easy to replace him,” Nayar told the media on Friday in Kolkata.

The decision will be made soon- Abhishek Nayar

“Having said that, we have looked at a few bowlers over the past few days. We are trying to evaluate, with the help of our leadership group, who fits in and who can play that role to the best of their abilities. So we are still evaluating that and have yet to make that decision. But hopefully, we can identify who can make a difference,” he added.

Nayar also stated that the KKR pacer is currently at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, and an announcement regarding his replacement is likely to be made within the next couple of days after assessing the bowlers who are on trial at the Eden Gardens and might feature in the first practice match for the side today. He further said, “The decision will be made soon, maybe in a couple of days.”

Harshit Rana’s IPL record for KKR

Harshit Rana has been one of the premier bowlers for the Knights in the last few seasons, especially in the middle and death overs. His slower balls and cutters have been effective. He has been an integral part of the KKR setup, and due to his amazing performances in the IPL, he has been an all-format player for India as well.

Harshit Rana has played 34 games for the Purple and Gold, picking up 40 wickets for the franchise. His best season was back in 2024, when the Knights won their first title as he picked 19 wickets in that IPL edition.

KKR also provided an update on Matheesha Pathirana, who is still rehabbing from the hamstring injury as he is set to join the squad around mid-April. The Knights will be looking for a winning start in their first game.

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