New Delhi, May 2 -- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have missed the services of Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana for more than half of the ongoing IPL 2026 season.

Matheesha Pathirana had sustained a calf strain on his left leg during Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup match against Australia in February.

He then underwent rehabilitation and underwent fitness tests, after which he received the No Objection Certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

However, despite joining KKR camp and being available for KKR's last two matches, Pathirana is yet to play a match this season. KKR had acquired him for Rs.18 crore at the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

When asked if Pathirana would play against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday, KKR bowling coach Tim South...