Three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have brought in wicketkeeper-batter Luvnith Sisodia to replace the injured Matheesha Pathirana for the rest of IPL 2026. The move comes after Pathirana suffered a hamstring problem early in his KKR debut, while KKR also face a separate fitness setback to Angkrish Raghuvanshi. With the league phase nearing its end, KKR’s squad depth and their ability to navigate the remaining fixtures will be tested, especially with qualification still hanging by a thread.
Key takeaways
- KKR signed Luvnith Sisodia as Matheesha Pathirana’s replacement for the remainder of IPL 2026.
- Pathirana’s tournament for KKR ended early due to a hamstring injury suffered after bowling just 1.2 overs in his debut against Gujarat Titans on May 16.
- Sisodia will join KKR for Rs 30 lakh and has previously played for KKR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL.
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been ruled out because of concussion and a finger fracture.
- KKR have 13 points from 13 matches with a net run rate of 0.011, trailing Punjab Kings’ improved NRR of 0.309.
Sisodia drafted in as KKR seek depth
KKR have added Sisodia to their roster for the remainder of IPL 2026, stepping in for Pathirana, who is unavailable due to injury. Sisodia, a wicketkeeper-batter who represents Karnataka in domestic cricket, is 25 years old and has already had IPL stints with both KKR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Across 15 T20 matches, Sisodia has scored 124 runs. For the franchise, the signing is valued at Rs 30 lakh, and it is expected to strengthen KKR’s batting depth and bench options as the season enters its decisive phase.
The need for additional cover has become more acute after Angkrish Raghuvanshi was ruled out with a concussion and a finger fracture. That development reduces KKR’s flexibility in selection and places even more weight on those available from the squad.
Pathirana’s injury timeline and KKR’s qualification pressure
Pathirana was bought at the auction for Rs 18 crore, but his KKR debut was derailed almost immediately. Introduced as an Impact Player in the match against Gujarat Titans on May 16, he bowled only 1.2 overs before a hamstring issue forced him out.
He then missed KKR’s win over Mumbai Indians on May 20 and is not expected to be fit in time for KKR’s last league match against Delhi Capitals at Eden Gardens on Sunday evening.
His IPL 2026 run had already been delayed earlier due to recurring fitness concerns. In the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, Pathirana had to abandon his spell midway against Australia and, following that, missed the remainder of the tournament.
For his participation in IPL 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) required Pathirana to undergo a fitness clearance test after recovering from a calf injury before granting a no-objection certificate (NOC). That clearance did not come until after four matches had been played by KKR—an early stretch in which the franchise lost all their games.
Even after joining the squad, Pathirana did not get action right away. He stayed on the bench until KKR’s 12th match of the season against Gujarat Titans.
KKR still alive, but equation is tight at Eden Gardens
Despite their recent improvement, KKR’s playoff chances remain slim. They have won their last three games at Eden Gardens, which has provided a boost to their campaign, but their overall standings still demand a near-perfect finish.
KKR currently sit with 13 points from 13 matches and a net run rate of 0.011. They are behind Punjab Kings, whose net run rate climbed to 0.309 after Punjab beat Lucknow Super Giants by seven wickets on Saturday.
To overtake Punjab Kings, KKR must do more than just win against Delhi Capitals. The requirement is clear: they need a victory and also need to win by a large margin to swing their NRR sufficiently.
KKR’s record at Eden Gardens this season shows some reason for optimism, with three wins from five matches. That includes a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans after posting 247, as well as a successful chase of 148 against Mumbai Indians.
With the final league fixture approaching, KKR’s ability to combine a dominant result with the necessary net run rate boost will decide whether their recent Eden Gardens surge can translate into a playoff berth.
