Three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have brought in wicketkeeper-batter Luvnith Sisodia to replace the injured Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for the rest of IPL 2026. Sisodia, who plays for Karnataka in domestic cricket, has prior experience with both KKR and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. The 25-year-old, with 15 T20 appearances and 124 runs, joins KKR for Rs 30 lakh.
The inclusion of Sisodia strengthens KKR’s squad depth, particularly with Angkrish Raghuvanshi sidelined due to concussion and finger injury. Pathirana, acquired for a hefty Rs 18 crore at the auction, is out due to a hamstring problem after bowling only 1.2 overs in his KKR debut against Gujarat Titans on May 16 as an Impact Player. He will miss the upcoming match against Delhi Capitals at the Eden Gardens.
Pathirana’s IPL 2026 journey faced delays due to fitness issues, with his participation requiring a fitness clearance test by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) post a calf injury. Despite KKR’s recent wins, their playoff chances are slim with 13 points from 13 games and a net run rate of 0.011, trailing Punjab Kings. KKR needs a significant victory against Delhi Capitals to boost their net run rate and surpass PBKS.
