The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)hopes of a win Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign was seriously hit. Star accelerator Matheesha Pathiranabought for a whopping INR 18 crore in the last auction, will not participate in the ongoing auction T20 World Cup and is now a major doubt for the upcoming IPL season due to injury. This devastating news comes amid ongoing concerns about availability Harshit RanaLeaving KKR scrambling to find a reliable outside pace option. The challenge for Knight Riders is huge: how do you replace a death specialist of Pathiran’s caliber, especially when the purse is already heavily invested?
Matheesha Pathirana gap: ₹18 crore hole to fill
Pathirana was envisioned as the spearhead of KKR’s pace attack, a unique slinger capable of delivering unplayable yorkers and deceptive slower balls in crucial overs. Its absence creates not only a performance gap but also a strategic dilemma. KKR are now looking for an overseas pacer who can offer high pace, wicket-taking ability and ideally the ability to handle pressure situations. The good news for KKR is that there will be a significant replacement purse to dip into the unsold player pool.
Pathirana KKR’s top 3 ideal replacement could be the target for IPL 2026
Given the need for a highly effective overseas pacer, KKR have three strong candidates to consider as replacements for Pathirana.
1. Alzarri Joseph (West Indies)
Why it fits: Joseph is not just fast, he is truly scary. He regularly hits the deck hard at speeds in excess of 140 kmph and forces shots onto the back foot. But what makes him more than just a speedster is his control and game awareness. His IPL record speaks volumes, especially the unforgettable 6/12 – still the best bowling figures in the history of the tournament.
Joseph can strike early in the powerplay, return to break partnerships in the middle overs and even handle pressure situations at the death. representing numerous IPL franchises such as MI, GT and RCBhe has proven that he can easily adapt to different team environments and conditions.
KKR’s Out: On the fast, true surfaces of Eden Gardens, Joseph’s speed and leap can become a serious weapon. He not only keeps to himself, but also attacks. When Pathirana is unavailable, Joseph can act as an aggressive keeper who changes the momentum of the game in a spell.
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2. Fazalhaq Faruqi (Afghanistan)
Why it fits: Farooqui brings something incredibly valuable – variety. As a left-arm pacer, he naturally creates a variety of angles, especially troubling right-handed batsmen. He can swing the new ball, has firm control of his lengths and has developed a reliable mix of slower balls and yorkers for the final deliveries.
In T20 leagues, he has quietly built a reputation for being reliable under pressure. He may not always grab the headlines, but he delivers when it matters.
KKR’s Out: KKR have historically supported Afghan players and Farooqui is likely to settle in quickly. His ability to hit heavy lengths and execute at the death directly fills the void left by Pathirana’s injury. He offers control with his wicket-taking ability – KKR will appreciate his balance.
3. Riley Meredith (Australia)
Why it fits: Meredith is pure pace. When he gets it right, his speed and awkward bounce can rattle even established batters. While Meredith doesn’t replicate Pathirana’s deviant variations, she brings something equally dangerous – a habitual hostility to the ball.
He showed flashes of his potential during his IPL stints with PBKS and Mumbai, proving that he can handle the top orders at high pace.
KKR’s Out: Eden Gardens can reward fast bowlers who hit the deck hard and Meredith fits that profile perfectly. He can be used as a new-ball offensive option or as a middle hitter who forces mistakes with his speed alone. If KKR want the X-factor to change, Meredith offers that element of unpredictability and aggression.
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