IPL 2026: KKR’s 18 crore gamble under threat as Matheesha Pathirana walks off mid-over on debut

Matheesha Pathirana suffered an injury scare during his long-awaited IPL 2026 debut for Kolkata Knight Riders against Gujarat Titans on Saturday after walking off the field midway through his spell. The Sri Lankan pacer, who was making his first appearance of the season after recovering from an injury sustained during the T20 World Cup, looked in discomfort just eight balls into his outing. Pathirana had bowled seven deliveries before pulling out of his run-up while attempting to deliver his eighth ball. Medical staff immediately attended to him on the field as concern spread among 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 had 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 major boost for the former champions, especially with the team fighting to stay alive in the playoff race. The injury concern came on a night where KKR’s batters completely dominated Gujarat Titans in a must-win clash at Eden Gardens. Earlier in the innings, Finn Allen unleashed a breathtaking assault, smashing 93 off just 35 deliveries with 10 sixes after surviving two dropped catches. The explosive opener tore apart GT’s attack and powered KKR to a flying start after Gujarat captain Shubman Gill opted to field first on a sticky surface. After Allen’s dismissal, Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green continued the destruction with unbeaten half-centuries and a 108-run partnership off just 53 balls. Gujarat’s fielding nightmare only worsened matters as they dropped four catches during the innings, allowing Allen, Raghuvanshi and Green to fully capitalise. KKR eventually piled up 247/2, their highest total of the season and the highest-ever IPL total against Gujarat Titans.