New Delhi, March 21 -- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have suffered a big blow ahead of IPL 2026 as Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana is set to be available only from mid-April. KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed the development on Friday.

Matheesha Pathirana had sustained a calf strain during Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup group stage match against Australia in February. He was ruled out of the rest of the tournament, and has been out of action ever since.

"The latest update is that he is with the Sri Lankan cricket board for his rehab," Abhishek said at a pre-season press conference. "Somewhere mid-April is when they feel he'll be match fit," he added.

The three-time champions have already suffered a setback ahead of IPL 2026 as far ...