Why Matheesha Pathirana has left the field after bowling eight balls in the KKR vs GT match
Kolkata Knight Riders’ fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana played his first game of the IPL 2026 against the Gujarat Titans on May 16, but he lasted for just 8 eight balls as the pacer suffered a calf injury before leaving the field at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He was bought for INR 18 crore at the mini auction but missed 11 matches due to a calf injury he had suffered during the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
In his maiden game for the three-time champions, he looked sharp, but the fitness concern forced him to return to the dressing room.
It is a big blow for Kolkata, who will have to win three consecutive matches, including the GT contest, to stand a chance of playing in the playoffs.
Matheesha Pathirana retired hurt just after 8 balls π€―
– KKR buys him in 18 CR in Auction.
– Missed half season due to injury.
– Joins KKR after half season.
– Today is Debut match of Pathirana for KKR.
– Bowled only 8 balls & retired hurt. pic.twitter.com/1WsZqmInlUβ VIKAS (@Vikas662005) May 16, 2026
UNREAL BAD LUCK π
Matheesha Pathirana leaving the field
β He looked in pain π«₯ https://t.co/p0yNbdUmU0pic.twitter.com/EO4lD6iQ5c
β KKR Karavan (@KkrKaravan) May 16, 2026
Matheesha Pathirana is having a slight hamstring issue π
β We waited so long to finally see him play hope itβs nothing serious pic.twitter.com/GgQJXbmdgP
β KKR Karavan (@KkrKaravan) May 16, 2026
Matheesha Pathirana off the field after bowling 8 balls. pic.twitter.com/QIFnd3Kp3m
β Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 16, 2026
Earlier, Finn Allen scored 35-ball 93 after Mohammed Siraj dropped his catch as Kolkata Knight Riders took the score to 247 for 2 in their allotted 20 overs.
He was on 14 and 33 when the GT fielders failed to grab the chances, and the explosive New Zealand batter went on to hit 10 sixes and 4 boundaries in a breathtaking display of power hitting, with 86 runs coming in boundaries.
The second half of the first innings was dominated by Angkrish Raghuvanshi (82 not out) and Cameron Green (52 not out) as the two added 108 runs off 53 balls for the third wicket. GT dropped four catches in their 13th contest of the 19th season, with Allen, Raghuvanshi, and Green capitalising on the missed chances. Raghuvanshi was 52 when Washington Sundar gave him a lifeline. Green was dropped on 23 by Arshad Khan.
Shubman Gill’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss backfired as bowlers struggled, and poor catching increased their problems during KKR’s batting turn.
The home franchise reached 100 in 9 overs and 200 in 17 overs, with Green and Raghuvanshi combining to add important runs.
Allen didn’t spare any bowlers and made the in-form pacers look ordinary. However, Kolkata skipper Ajinkya Rahane was restricted by the Titans, managing just 14 runs off 14 balls. Allen was looking set for his second IPL hundred this season before Rashid Khan took his catch off Sai Kishore.
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