The IPL 2026 season is well underway, but two of Sri Lanka’s biggest names remain unavailable, leaving their franchises in contrasting states of anticipation and anxiety.
Pathirana: Cautious Optimism for KKR
Matheesha Pathirana, signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹18 crore, is yet to feature this season after sustaining a hamstring injury during the T20 World Cup. He has been training intensively at the National Cricket Academy in Sri Lanka and is in the final stages of his recovery.
KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed that mid-April is the realistic target, stating that the Sri Lankan board expects Pathirana to be match fit around that time. His return is eagerly awaited, given his reputation as a death-over specialist. The pacer has claimed 47 wickets in 32 IPL appearances since debuting for Chennai Super Kings in 2022.
In his absence, Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani has led the pace attack, though he does not bring the same skillset KKR desperately needs in the death overs.
Hasaranga: LSG’s Growing Nightmare
The mood at Lucknow Super Giants is far grimmer. Hasaranga has been sidelined since suffering a left hamstring tear against Ireland in the T20 World Cup and was ruled out of the remainder of that tournament.
Matters worsened when Hasaranga missed a mandatory fitness program organized by Sri Lanka Cricket without explanation, drawing sharp criticism from the board. Under SLC rules, players must score at least 17 of 29 points on physical performance tests to earn an NOC. Hasaranga has not met that bar, and selectors have withheld his clearance until he does.
Reports now indicate he is highly likely to miss the entire IPL 2026 season, a significant blow for LSG, who had counted on him to anchor their spin attack.
With the tournament progressing rapidly, both franchises face the pressure of making do without key overseas match-winners, though for KKR, relief may be just weeks away.
