Matheesha Pathirana (X-cricbuzz)
Matheesha Pathirana suffered an injury scare during his much-awaited IPL 2026 debut for Kolkata Knight Riders against Gujarat Titans on Saturday after walking off the field in the middle of his spell. The Sri Lankan pacer, making his first appearance of the season after recovering from an injury sustained during the T20 World Cup, looked uncomfortable just eight balls into his outing. Pathirana played seven overs before breaking out of his run-up trying to deliver off his eighth ball. He was immediately attended to by medical staff on the field as concerns spread among the KKR players and fans. Despite the discomfort, the fast bowler completed one more delivery – a slower ball – before eventually leaving the field for further treatment. KKR invested heavily in Pathirana during the IPL 2026 auction, signing the Sri Lankan speedster for a massive Rs 18 crore. His return was seen as a big boost for the former champions, especially with the team struggling to stay alive in the playoff race. The injury scare came on a night when the KKR batsmen completely dominated Gujarat Titans in a must-win clash at the Eden Gardens. Earlier in the innings, Finn Allen launched a breathtaking onslaught, smashing 93 off just 35 deliveries with 10 sixes after surviving two dropped catches. The explosive opener tore apart the GT attack and got KKR off to a flying start after Gujarat skipper Shubman Gill opted to field first on the sticky surface. After Allen’s dismissal, Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green continued the destruction with unbeaten half-centuries and a partnership of 108 runs off just 53 balls. Gujarat’s nightmare only got worse as they dropped four catches during the innings, allowing Allen, Raghuvanshi and Green to take full advantage. KKR ended up amassing 247/2, their highest total of the season and highest ever IPL total against Gujarat Titans.
