Will Matheesha Pathirana play for KKR against SRH? Bowling coach Tim Southee reveals
Kolkata Knight Riders fans were overjoyed when they finally got to see Matheesha Pathirana link-up with the squad after the win over LSG. Pathirana, who was bought for Rs. 18 Crore during the auction, was out of action since the T20 World Cup 2026 after sustaining an injury during the match against Australia.
Pathirana finally got the NOC from Sri Lanka cricket and arrived in Kolkata on April 19 and had his first training session with the support staff the following day. He was with the squad for the trip to Lucknow, but was still a bit away from making his KKR bow. The pacer has stepped up his progress and looks to be closer than ever. So will Pathirana make it to the lineup for the SRH game?
Tim Southee said that the final decision on Pathirana’s participation will depend on the conditions and then they will make a call based on the combination.
“Yeah, he’s arrived. He’s been around the group for a little bit now. So, we’ll look at conditions and make a decision on the side that we think’s best for tomorrow’s game. He’s been bowling well at training and it’s great to have him as a part of the side,” said Southee.
Pathirana has a good record against the in-form Heinrich Klaasen in the IPL, dismissing him three times and conceding 23 runs off 14 balls bowled to him.
Southee admitted that they will look into it as a part of the selection criteria, but a call will only be made on matchday.
“Yeah, you take a number of things into consideration for selection. Obviously, the balance of the side, make-up of your team. Here with the IPL, your make-up with the overseas has to change, obviously when you make those changes. So, those decisions will be taken into account along with the conditions that we’re looking to be faced with tomorrow,” said Southee.
PATHIRANA’S RECORD VS SRH
Pathirana has played three matches against SRH in his IPL career, picking up three wickets at an average of 22.
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