Matheesha Pathirana (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)

Matheesha Pathirana is set to miss the opening phase of IPL 2026, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Abhishek Nayar confirming in pre-season press conference held on friday that the pacer is likely to be available only from mid-April. Pathirana, who was ruled out of the 2026 T20 World Cup due to a calf strain, is currently undergoing rehabilitation under the supervision of Sri Lanka Cricket. He had featured in just three matches in the tournament before being helped off the field during a game against Australia.

KKR await fitness update

Providing an update on the young fast bowler’s recovery, Nayar said: “The latest update that we know is he’s obviously with the Sri Lankan cricket board and they took out his rehab, and the latest communication that we’ve had is, hopefully, somewhere mid-April is when they feel he’ll be match fit. That’s what we know as of now.”

Sri Lanka Cricket issues NOC update for IPL 2026

Dushmantha Chameera, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis, who have successfully completed their physical performance tests, have been issued NOCs to participate in the IPL. Nuwan Thushara’s eligibility for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in the IPL will be subject to the outcome of his Physical Performance Test.”Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, and Matheesha Pathirana, who have requested NOCs to participate in IPL 2026, are yet to undergo the Physical Performance Test, as they are still undergoing rehabilitation to recover from injuries sustained. The respective players will undergo the tests upon completion of their recovery and rehabilitation programs,” said SLC in a statement on Friday.

“Firstly, it is a big blow” – Nayar

Nayar admitted that Harshit’s absence comes as a major setback for the KKR:“Firstly, it is a big blow, because Harshit has been an integral part of this team for the last couple of seasons, including the championship season. He’s grown a lot as a cricketer over the years, so it’s not easy to replace him.”He added that the team management is actively exploring replacement options: “Having said that, over the last few days, we’ve looked at a few bowlers. We’re trying to evaluate, with the help of the leadership group, who fits in and who can do that role to the best of their prowess.”“We’re still evaluating that and haven’t made that decision yet, but hopefully we’ll identify someone soon who can make a difference to this squad.”

Bravo backs squad depth despite setbacks

KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo struck a confident tone: “In any tournament with any team, once you lose some of the key bowling options, these are things you plan for, but also things you have to accept, the good thing about Indian cricket, especially at the moment, is that there is a lot of depth.”Bravo pointed to several Indian pacers who could step up: “So there are some guys, as the coach mentioned, that we are definitely looking at to fill the spot – the likes of Umran Malik.”“These guys are also players who have represented the national team at some point in time and have also played in the IPL before. They are young, exciting talents. So, for me personally, I’m happy to work with this group of fast bowlers.” he added.