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IPL 2026: KKR Rope In Luvnith Sisodia As Replacement For Injured Matheesha Pathirana

Kolkata Knight Riders: Three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed wicketkeeperbatter Luvnith Sisodia as a replacement for injured Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for the remainder of IPL 2026. Sisodia, who represents Karnataka in domestic cricket, has previously featured for the franchise and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. The 25yearold has played 15 T20s, scoring 124 runs, and joins the franchise for Rs 30 lakh. The addition of Sisodia bolsters KKRs squad depth, especially with Angkrish Raghuvanshi ruled out due to concussion and finger fracture. Pathirana, bought for an astonishing Rs 18 crore at the auction, has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury after bowling just 1.2 overs on his KKR debut against Gujarat Titans on May 16, where he was introduced into the game as an Impact Player. He missed the sides win over Mumbai Indians on May 20 and will not recover in time for KKRs final league fixture against Delhi Capitals, to be played at the Eden Gardens on Sunday evening. Pathiranas IPL 2026 stint was delayed due to recurring fitness concerns. In the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, Pathirana had to abandon his spell midway against Australia and subsequently missed the remainder of the tournament. For his IPL 2026 participation, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) insisted on Pathirana going through a fitness clearance test on recovering from a calf injury before issuing a noobjection certificate (NOC). The approval came only after four matches of KKRs campaign happened, a phase in which the franchise had lost all their games. He missed the sides win over Mumbai Indians on May 20 and will not recover in time for KKRs final league fixture against Delhi Capitals, to be played at the Eden Gardens on Sunday evening. Pathiranas IPL 2026 stint was delayed due to recurring fitness concerns. In the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, Pathirana had to abandon his spell midway against Australia and subsequently missed the remainder of the tournament. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The equation is straightforward but daunting for KKR they must not only defeat Delhi Capitals but also secure a victory by a heavy margin to surpass PBKS on NRR. KKRs record at Eden Gardens this season stands at three wins from five matches, including a 29run victory over GT after posting 247 and a successful chase of 148 against MI. Article Source: IANS