Matheesha Pathirana’s long-awaited IPL 2026 appearance for Kolkata Knight Riders against Gujarat Titans turned into an injury scare on Saturday, with the Sri Lankan pacer walking off the field during his spell at Eden Gardens. The incident unfolded just eight balls into his outing, after Pathirana made his first appearance of the season following recovery from a problem picked up during the T20 World Cup.
Injury scare: what happened during Pathirana’s spell
Pathirana looked uncomfortable while preparing to deliver his eighth ball. He had already bowled seven deliveries when he pulled out of his run-up mid-action, seemingly unable to complete the attempt. As medical staff rushed in immediately, concern spread among KKR players and supporters in the stands.
Despite the discomfort, the fast bowler managed to complete one more delivery—a slower ball—before leaving the field for further assessment and treatment.
- Pathirana walked off after feeling pain/discomfort partway through his spell
- The issue surfaced around the eighth-ball stage of his spell
- Medical staff attended him promptly on the field
- He bowled one additional slower ball before departing for treatment
KKR’s big investment and the playoff context
KKR had placed significant faith in Pathirana ahead of IPL 2026, securing his services in the auction for Rs 18 crore. His return was considered a major boost for the franchise, particularly because KKR are battling to remain in contention for a spot in the playoffs.
KKR’s batting dominance sets up a huge total
The injury scare came on a night when KKR’s batters completely took control of proceedings against Gujarat Titans in a must-win contest. With the match taking place on a sticky surface, Gujarat captain Shubman Gill opted to field first, a decision that quickly backfired as KKR’s top order unleashed pressure from the start.
Finn Allen’s explosive start
Finn Allen delivered a sensational burst of batting, smashing 93 runs off just 35 balls. His innings included 10 sixes, and it featured two dropped catches—yet he still punished Gujarat’s bowling and fielding throughout his stay. Allen’s assault gave KKR a flying start and set the tone for the innings.
Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green extend the damage
After Allen was dismissed, Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Cameron Green maintained the momentum, continuing the onslaught with unbeaten half-centuries. Together, they forged a 108-run partnership in only 53 deliveries, keeping the strike moving and sustaining the run rate as Gujarat struggled to find answers.
Fielding lapses add to Gujarat’s problems
Gujarat’s troubles were compounded in the field, where they dropped four catches during the innings. Those missed opportunities allowed KKR’s key contributors—Allen, Raghuvanshi and Green—to fully capitalise on extended stays at the crease.
- Allen scored 93 off 35 balls, striking 10 sixes
- He survived two dropped catches
- Raghuvanshi and Green both finished unbeaten
- Their partnership: 108 runs off 53 balls
- Gujarat dropped four catches in total
KKR reach a season-high and a franchise landmark
By the end of the innings, KKR posted 247/2—marking their highest total of the IPL 2026 season. It also became the highest-ever IPL score against Gujarat Titans, underlining just how thoroughly the night belonged to the Kolkata side.
