The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)‘s hopes of a triumphant Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign have been dealt a significant blow. Star pacer Matheesha Pathirana, acquired for a whopping INR 18 crore in the recent auction, has been ruled out of the ongoing T20 World Cup and is now a major doubt for the upcoming IPL season due to injury. This devastating news comes amidst existing concerns over the availability of Harshit Rana, leaving KKR scrambling to find a reliable overseas pace option. The challenge for the Knight Riders is immense: how do you replace a death-overs specialist of Pathirana’s calibre, especially when the purse has already been heavily invested?

Matheesha Pathirana void: A ₹18 crore hole to fill

Pathirana was envisioned as the spearhead of KKR’s pace attack, a unique slinger who could deliver unplayable yorkers and deceptive slower balls in the crucial death overs. His absence creates not just a performance gap but also a strategic dilemma. KKR will now be looking for an overseas pacer who can offer high pace, wicket-taking ability, and ideally, a knack for handling pressure situations. The good news for KKR is that they will have a significant replacement purse to dip into the unsold player pool.

Top 3 ideal replacements of Pathirana KKR can target for IPL 2026

Given the need for a high-impact overseas pacer, here are three strong candidates KKR should consider as replacements for Pathirana

1. Alzarri Joseph (West Indies)

Why he fits: Joseph isn’t just quick — he’s genuinely intimidating. Regularly clocking over 140 kmph, he hits the deck hard and forces batters onto the back foot. But what makes him more than just a speedster is his control and game awareness. His IPL record speaks loudly, especially that unforgettable 6/12 — still the best bowling figures in tournament history.

Joseph can strike early in the powerplay, return to break partnerships in the middle overs, and even handle pressure situations at the death. Having represented multiple IPL franchises like MI, GT and RCB, he has proven that he can adapt to different team environments and conditions with ease.

KKR’s edge: On the fast, true surfaces of Eden Gardens, Joseph’s pace and bounce could become a serious weapon. He doesn’t just contain — he attacks. With Pathirana unavailable, Joseph could step in as that aggressive wicket-taker who changes the momentum of a game in a single spell.

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2. Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)

Why he fits: Farooqi brings something incredibly valuable — variety. As a left-arm pacer, he naturally creates different angles, especially troubling right-handed batters. He can swing the new ball, keeps tight control over his lengths, and has developed a reliable mix of slower balls and yorkers for the final overs.

Across T20 leagues, he has quietly built a reputation for being dependable under pressure. He may not always grab headlines, but he delivers when it matters.

KKR’s Edge: KKR has historically backed Afghan players, and Farooqi would likely settle in quickly. His ability to bowl heavy lengths and execute at the death directly fills the gap left by Pathirana’s injury. He offers control with wicket-taking ability — a balance KKR would appreciate.

3. Riley Meredith (Australia)

Why he fits: Meredith is pure pace. When he gets it right, his speed and awkward bounce can rattle even established batters. While he doesn’t replicate Pathirana’s slingy variations, Meredith brings something equally dangerous — raw hostility with the ball.

He has shown flashes of his potential during his IPL stints with PBKS and Mumbai, proving that he can unsettle top orders with sheer pace.

KKR’s Edge: Eden Gardens can reward fast bowlers who hit the deck hard, and Meredith fits that profile perfectly. He could be used as an attacking option with the new ball or as a middle-overs enforcer who forces mistakes through pace alone. If KKR want an X-factor replacement, Meredith offers that element of unpredictability and aggression.

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