By Admin 
The league stage of the Indian Premier League 2026 is over. This season was full of disappointment for Kolkata Knight Riders. The biggest foreign fast bowler for KKR this season, the player for whom the franchise had spent Rs 18 crore, could not play almost the entire season for the team.
Kolkata Knight Riders suffered a big blow in the middle of season 2026 when star pacer Mathisa Pathirana was ruled out of the tournament due to injury. However, KKR’s hopes of going to the playoffs were ended with the victory of Rajasthan Royals over Mumbai Indians. The team hoped that if Pathiran happened then their bowling would give strength to the team, but it could not happen.
Pathirana was struggling with fitness problems since the beginning. He also got permission to play in the league after a lot of difficulties. After a long wait, when he appeared completely fit, the team gave him a chance against Gujarat Titans. However, his journey on the field was very short. He could bowl only a few balls when he suffered a hamstring injury. After this he had to leave the field and could not return for the entire tournament.
Bet worth crores did not work
KKR had spent Rs 18 crore in the mini auction, showing great confidence in Pathirana. The franchise hoped that he would give a new identity to the team’s bowling, but injuries ruined all the plans. Fans gave a lot of reactions regarding this issue on social media. Many people called it the most costly failure for the team. However, the player’s injury is being considered unfortunate, as his fitness was a matter of concern from the beginning.
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Pathirana was not the only player whose absence affected the team. Before the start of the season, Harshit Rana was also out due to injury. Apart from this, Bangladeshi bowler Mustafizur Rahman also had to be removed from the team. The effect of these continuous shocks was clearly visible on KKR’s bowling. The young bowlers definitely made efforts, but the team could not get a stable performance.
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Team out of playoff race
Under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane, KKR was seen struggling throughout the season. The team could win only 6 out of 14 matches and failed to make it to the playoffs.