Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has rapidly risen as one of the most exciting young pace sensations in the Indian Premier League. Popularly known as “Baby Malinga” for his unique slingy bowling action, Pathirana has impressed fans and experts alike with his deadly yorkers, raw pace, and calmness under pressure.
In the IPL 2026 Auction, Pathirana made a big move as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured him for a massive ₹18 crore, highlighting his growing reputation as a premium death-overs specialist and a long-term fast-bowling investment.
Matheesha Pathirana IPL 2026 Team & Price
- IPL 2026 Team – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- IPL 2026 Auction Price – ₹18 Crore
KKR’s high-value signing of Matheesha Pathirana strengthens their fast-bowling attack significantly. His ability to deliver yorkers at will and handle high-pressure overs makes him a vital weapon for IPL 2026.
Matheesha Pathirana IPL Profile
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Matheesha Pathirana |
| Date of Birth | 18 December 2002 |
| Nationality | Sri Lanka |
| Role | Fast Bowler |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm Fast |
| Batting Style | Right-Handed |
| IPL Debut | 2022 |
| Total IPL Matches | 30+ |
Matheesha Pathirana IPL Career Overview
Matheesha Pathirana burst onto the IPL scene with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he quickly became one of the most feared death-over bowlers in the league. Under experienced leadership, he refined his yorkers and slower deliveries, consistently troubling top batters.
His performances against elite international players established him as a high-impact overseas pacer, leading to strong demand during the IPL 2026 auction.
Matheesha Pathirana IPL Career Bowling Stats (Overall)
| Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | Best Figures |
| 32 | 46 | 19.30 | 7.92 | 14.6 | 4/28 |
Pathirana’s numbers highlight his effectiveness as a strike bowler, especially in the death overs, where controlling runs is crucial.
Matheesha Pathirana Season-wise IPL Bowling Performance
| Season | Matches | Wickets | Economy | Best |
| 2025 | 14 | 21 | 7.85 | 4/28 |
| 2024 | 12 | 19 | 8.01 | 3/15 |
| 2023 | 10 | 13 | 7.65 | 3/20 |
| 2022 | 4 | 6 | 8.50 | 2/24 |
His IPL 2025 season was awe-inspiring, where he consistently delivered breakthroughs in crunch moments.
Matheesha Pathirana IPL Batting Stats
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score |
| 32 | 42 | 15* |
Primarily a bowler, Pathirana’s batting contributions remain limited, with his principal value coming from his bowling impact.
Matheesha Pathirana IPL Auction Price History
| Year | Price | Team |
| 2022 | ₹20 Lakh | CSK |
| 2023 | ₹20 Lakh | CSK |
| 2024 | ₹20 Lakh | CSK |
| 2025 | ₹4.00 Cr | CSK |
| 2026 | ₹18.00 Cr | Kolkata Knight Riders |
The massive jump to ₹18 crore in IPL 2026 reflects Pathirana’s evolution into one of the most dangerous young fast bowlers in T20 cricket.
Matheesha Pathirana’s Role for KKR in IPL 2026
For Kolkata Knight Riders, Matheesha Pathirana is expected to:
- Lead the death-overs bowling attack
- Deliver pinpoint yorkers under pressure
- Control run flow in slog overs
- Provide wicket-taking breakthroughs
- Form a lethal pace combination with KKR’s fast bowlers
His presence gives KKR a clear edge in close matches.
Strengths of Matheesha Pathirana in IPL
- Deadly yorkers at high pace
- Unique sling bowling action
- Calm temperament in pressure situations
- Effective death-over specialist
- Proven wicket-taker against top batters
Why Matheesha Pathirana Is a Big Buy for KKR in IPL 2026
At ₹18 crore, KKR have invested in a fast bowler who can single-handedly change match outcomes. Pathirana’s age, skillset, and proven IPL success make him a long-term asset capable of leading KKR’s bowling unit for years to come.
Conclusion
Matheesha Pathirana’s move to Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026 for ₹18 crore marks a significant milestone in his IPL journey. With over 45 IPL wickets, an exceptional death-over record, and growing international experience, he brings speed, precision, and fear factor to KKR’s bowling lineup.
His addition significantly boosts KKR’s chances in IPL 2026, making him a key player to watch this season..
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