‘Matheesha Pathirana is a huge risk’: Former India captain cautions KKR after Rs. 18-crore IPL auction buy

Former India cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth expressed surprise at the massive sum paid to Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana during the IPL 2026 auction, where Kolkata Knight Riders secured him for a staggering INR 18 crore. Known for his unusual bowling action, Pathirana attracted intense interest on auction day, with Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants engaging in an early bidding battle before KKR stepped in and eventually outbid Lucknow to land the pacer at a record price. Pathirana made his IPL debut in 2022 but truly made his mark in 2023, becoming a key weapon for Chennai Super Kings with 19 wickets. He maintained his form the following year, taking 13 wickets in just six matches. However, after being retained by CSK for the 2025 season, Pathirana struggled to replicate that impact, claiming only 13 wickets across 12 games while conceding at an economy rate of 10.14. CSK ultimately released him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction and notably did not participate in the bidding for him. Srikkanth commented on the hefty price tag, describing Pathirana as a “hit-and-miss” bowler and praising KKR’s decision to also secure Mustafizur Rahman as a smart backup option. “Pathirana is a huge risk. He’s a hit-and-miss bowler. But KKR made a smart move by buying Mustafizur Rahman also. They’ve got a backup for Pathirana with Mustafizur. It was expected that with Bravo’s presence, Pathirana would go to KKR. But I was surprised at his price and the number of teams that went for him,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel. Srikkanth further questioned the aggressive bidding for Pathirana, drawing comparisons with other high-profile players who struggled after a single underwhelming season, such as Jake Fraser-McGurk and Devon Conway. “LSG kept going for him until 18 crores. Is he such a big bowler to go for 18 crores? His performance was very ordinary in the last IPL season. Many players get excluded after one bad season. Someone like Fraser-McGurk didn’t do well one season, and he’s not even in the scene. Same with Devon Conway,” he added.