Mathisha Pathirana (X-cricbuzz)
Mathisha Pathirana suffered an injury scare during his much-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 uncomfortable after just eight balls in his outing.
Pathirana bowled seven deliveries before withdrawing from his attempted eighth ball. Medical staff immediately attended to him on the field as anxiety 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 invested heavily in Pathirana during the IPL 2026 auction, signing the Sri Lankan pacer for a whopping Rs 18 crore. His return was seen as a big boost for the former champions, especially as the team struggles to stay alive in the playoff race. The injury scare came on a night when KKR completely dominated Gujarat Titans in a must-win match at Eden Gardens. Earlier in the innings, Finn Allen unleashed a stunning attack, smashing 93 off just 35 deliveries with 10 sixes after surviving two overs. An explosive opener wreaked havoc on GT’s attack and pushed KKR to a flying start after Gujarat captain Shubman Gill opted to bowl first on a sticky surface.
After Allen’s dismissal, Angkrish Raghuvanshi and
Cameron Green
He continued the destruction with an unbeaten half-century and a 108-run partnership off just 53 balls. Gujarat’s playing nightmare made matters worse as they dropped four catches during the innings, allowing Allen, Raghuvanshi and Green to take full advantage. KKR eventually piled up 247/2, the highest total of the season and highest IPL total ever against Gujarat Titans.