IPL 2024

IPL 2026 Auction: Fans cheer as KKR’s late move bags Matheesha Pathirana after an intense bidding war between LSG and DC

By Samira Vishwas

The sensational Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathiranaknown widely as ‘Baby Malinga’ for his unique slinging action, became a centerpiece of the IPL 2026 auction shortly after the record-breaking sale of Cameron Green.

Released surprisingly by Chennai Super Kings despite his proven death-overs expertise, Pathirana was quickly identified by several teams needing a specialist finisher with the ball. Starting from his base price of ₹2.00 crore, the 23-year-old sparked a prolonged bidding war primarily between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)both franchises desperate to strengthen their pace core. In a late, decisive move, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)armed with a massive purse, entered the fray and secured the prized bowler for a staggering ₹18.00 crore, making him one of the costliest specialist bowlers in IPL history.

IPL 2026 Auction: Intense bidding battle for the death-over specialist Matheesha Pathirana

Pathirana’s unique skill set, a slinging action that makes him difficult to pick, coupled with pinpoint yorkers and excellent change-ups, made him one of the most highly anticipated fast-bowlers in the auction. Despite being released by his former franchise, Pathirana’s proven track record of 47 wickets in 32 IPL matches at a solid economy rate of 8.68 ensured a bidding frenzy. Delhi and Lucknow immediately engaged in a high-stakes duel, recognizing the Sri Lankan’s utility, particularly in the critical final five overs of an innings. The bidding quickly escalated past the ₹10 crore mark and continued fiercely until ₹15.80 crore, where DC finally relented, unable to challenge LSG’s persistent aggression.

Just when it seemed Lucknow had won the battle, the Kolkata, who had already shattered the overseas record for Cameron Green, entered the contest with overwhelming financial might, changing the dynamic entirely.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Fans go wild as Cameron Green becomes the most expensive overseas player in league’s history

KKR’s late entry secures Pathirana in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

Kolkata’s entry into the bidding war for Pathirana was both late and financially dominant, highlighting their strategy to acquire two premier overseas high-impact players early in the auction. Entering the fray at ₹16.00 crore, KKR immediately surpassed the previous high mark, signaling their firm intent. The move forced Lucknow to push the price even higher, but KKR’s huge remaining purse gave them the leverage they needed to overpower their rivals. They ultimately secured the Sri Lankan slinger for a staggering ₹18.00 crore, completing a remarkable auction spend spree that dramatically bolstered their pace attack.

His acquisition for ₹18.00 crore now means KKR has acquired both the most expensive overseas player (Green at ₹25.20 crore) and one of the most expensive specialist bowlers in IPL history in the same auction. This investment signals KKR’s strategy to build a formidable bowling attack around high-skill, proven match-winners who can deliver in the pressure situations of the tournament.

The acquisition of Pathirana for 18.00 crore is a strategic masterstroke for the Kolkata, perfectly addressing the critical void in their pace attack, particularly in the backend of the innings. After releasing key bowlers, KKR had the largest purse and a clear mandate to rebuild their pace battery. Pathirana is a rare asset: a bowler who can consistently execute toe-crushing yorkers and slower balls, skills that are invaluable in the high-scoring T20 environment of the IPL. Furthermore, his slingy action means he requires specific practice from opposing batsmen, offering a psychological edge that standard pace bowlers do not.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Owners and CEO of all franchises

Samira Vishwas 783 posts 0 comments
You might also like More from author

Comments are closed.