JuicyTalk
The sensational Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, known widely as ‘Baby Malinga’ for his unique slinging action, became a centerpiece of the IPL 2026 auction shortly after the record-breaking sale of Cameron Green.
Released surprisingly by Chennai Super Kings despite his proven death-overs expertise, Pathirana was quickly identified by several teams needing a specialist finisher with the ball. Starting from his base price of ₹2.00 crore, the 23-year-old sparked a prolonged bidding war primarily between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), both franchises desperate to strengthen their pace core. In a late, decisive move, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), armed with a massive purse, entered the fray and secured the prized bowler for a staggering ₹18.00 crore, making him one of the costliest specialist bowlers in IPL history.
IPL 2026 Auction: Intense bidding battle for the death-over specialist Matheesha Pathirana
Pathirana’s unique skill set, a slinging action that makes him difficult to pick, coupled with pinpoint yorkers and excellent change-ups, made him one of the most highly anticipated fast-bowlers in the auction. Despite being released by his former franchise, Pathirana’s proven track record of 47 wickets in 32 IPL matches at a solid economy rate of 8.68 ensured a bidding frenzy. Delhi and Lucknow immediately engaged in a high-stakes duel, recognizing the Sri Lankan’s utility, particularly in the critical final five overs of an innings. The bidding quickly escalated past the ₹10 crore mark and continued fiercely until ₹15.80 crore, where DC finally relented, unable to challenge LSG’s persistent aggression.
Just when it seemed Lucknow had won the battle, the Kolkata, who had already shattered the overseas record for Cameron Green, entered the contest with overwhelming financial might, changing the dynamic entirely.
KKR’s late entry secures Pathirana in the IPL 2026 mini-auction
Kolkata’s entry into the bidding war for Pathirana was both late and financially dominant, highlighting their strategy to acquire two premier overseas high-impact players early in the auction. Entering the fray at ₹16.00 crore, KKR immediately surpassed the previous high mark, signaling their firm intent. The move forced Lucknow to push the price even higher, but KKR’s huge remaining purse gave them the leverage they needed to overpower their rivals. They ultimately secured the Sri Lankan slinger for a staggering ₹18.00 crore, completing a remarkable auction spend spree that dramatically bolstered their pace attack.
His acquisition for ₹18.00 crore now means KKR has acquired both the most expensive overseas player (Green at ₹25.20 crore) and one of the most expensive specialist bowlers in IPL history in the same auction. This investment signals KKR’s strategy to build a formidable bowling attack around high-skill, proven match-winners who can deliver in the pressure situations of the tournament.
The acquisition of Pathirana for 18.00 crore is a strategic masterstroke for the Kolkata, perfectly addressing the critical void in their pace attack, particularly in the backend of the innings. After releasing key bowlers, KKR had the largest purse and a clear mandate to rebuild their pace battery. Pathirana is a rare asset: a bowler who can consistently execute toe-crushing yorkers and slower balls, skills that are invaluable in the high-scoring T20 environment of the IPL. Furthermore, his slingy action means he requires specific practice from opposing batsmen, offering a psychological edge that standard pace bowlers do not.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Go well at KKR buddy.
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 16, 2025
ON THE HUNT for Matheesha Pathirana now. 💥#TATAIPLAuction pic.twitter.com/dguh7u8v5h
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) December 16, 2025
So Pathirana went for 18+ crore in a mini-auction where most teams had a limited purse, and that too after his only poor season. Just imagine what his price would’ve been in a full auction. This should be a real eye-opener for CSK fans who claimed Pathirana wouldn’t even fetch…
— yash (@yxshh27) December 16, 2025
PATHIRANA IS A KNIGHT!
We’re cooking and how!— Priyam Ghose (@PriyamGhose) December 16, 2025
I don’t know but it does really feel like Pathirana might do pretty well in the upcoming season.
— Krithz (@ival_krithika) December 16, 2025
25.20 crore for Cameron Green.
18 crore for Metheesha pathirana.
TWO BIG BUY FOR KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS..!!! pic.twitter.com/DzG543jYLN
— Deepak paswan (@PaswanDeep12610) December 16, 2025
Not sure about this one! But I understand because death bowling has been a big issue for KKR over the years. High price but good buy! Welcome to KKR Matheesha Pathirana! #TATAIPLAuction #AmiKKR https://t.co/Y7j3xD9KYL
— See the Good Shri (@shrispy24) December 16, 2025
Pathirana is lucky…. His current is not even worth 5cr. Franchises are just risking… KKR though had to take that risk.
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) December 16, 2025
Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana gets sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for a hefty price of 18 Crore #cricket #kkr #ipl2026 #KolkataKnightRiders #IPLAuction pic.twitter.com/AWfRuTpBjb
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 16, 2025
Pathirana could either be our annual Venky Mysore brainfade or the maverick signing that transforms our team. Nothing in between. But if you want to win a 10 man IPL, you need to take risks.
— Ace (@Destinazo) December 16, 2025
Also READ: IPL 2026 Auction: Owners and CEO of all franchises
