Archive · 17 Nov 2025
KKR and Delhi Capitals Eye Matheesha Pathirana Amidst CSK's Retention Concerns
Imagine a big cricket game called the IPL.
Two teams, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), are getting ready for the next season.
KKR wants to buy a young, fast bowler named Matheesha Pathirana.
He used to play for CSK and was very good, helping them win a championship.
CSK also wants to keep him, but they let him go before the auction.
Now, KKR has a lot of money to spend and has talked to Pathirana.
Another team, Delhi Capitals, also wants him.
This means CSK might have to pay a lot more money to get him back, or they might lose him to another team.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are interested in acquiring bowler Matheesha Pathirana for the IPL 2026 auction.
Delhi Capitals have also shown strong interest in signing Pathirana.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), whom Pathirana previously played for, aim to re-sign him but face competition.
Pathirana has taken 47 wickets in 32 IPL matches and was crucial in CSK's 2023 title win.
KKR possesses the largest purse at INR 64.3 crore for the auction, while CSK's retention strategy for Pathirana is considered potentially risky.
- Who
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals, and Matheesha Pathirana
- What
- KKR and Delhi Capitals are targeting Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for the IPL 2026 auction, posing a challenge to CSK's plans to re-sign him.
- When
- Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction.
- Where
- Indian Premier League (IPL)
- Why
- CSK released Pathirana but now face competition from KKR, who have a large purse, and Delhi Capitals, to re-sign him. Pathirana has been a key player for CSK, contributing significantly to their 2023 title win.
Chennai Super Kings' Strategy and Pathirana
Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals' Interest
Retention Plans for Matheesha Pathirana
Chennai Super Kings' Strategy and Pathirana
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) aims to re-acquire Matheesha Pathirana, viewing him as a vital part of their team after he played a key role in their 2023 IPL title win, taking 47 wickets in 32 matches. They previously rejected trade offers from Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings for the young pacer and CEO Kasi Viswanathan stated they will 'try to get him back' depending on the auction.
Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals' Interest
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), with the largest purse of Rs 64.3 crore after releasing several players, have held 'informal talks' with Pathirana. Delhi Capitals are also showing strong interest in acquiring the Sri Lankan pacer.
Pathirana's Contract Status and Future
Chennai Super Kings' Strategy and Pathirana
CSK released Pathirana, but now face competition to bring him back, potentially at a higher price, which could be a 'risky retention call'.
Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals' Interest
KKR's significant financial flexibility positions them as strong contenders to bid for Pathirana, potentially disrupting CSK's strategy and acquiring him for their own team.
- Player of Interest
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Interested Teams
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Delhi Capitals
- Current Team (Previously)
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- IPL Season
- 2026
- Auction Type
- Mini Auction
- Pathirana's IPL Wickets
- 47 wickets in 32 matches
- CSK's Purse for Auction
- Not specified
- KKR's Purse for Auction
- INR 64.3 crore
Sources
'I Would Have Thought Once Or Twice More Before Releasing Shami': Former Indian Player Comments On SRH's Bowling Options Ahead Of IPL Auction
'Maybe Cameron Green Could Come In': KKR Urged To Bring In Aussie All-Rounder As Andre Russell's Replacement
IPL Retentions: Who Are In, Who Are Out?
‘Abhishek Nayar is the straight answer for Andre Russell’s release:’ Former India batter criticises KKR’s IPL 2026 decision
IPL 2026 Auction: Punjab Kings' Surprise Release Might End Up Being Kolkata Knight Riders' Next Big Recruit, Here's Why
KKR's Shock Axe Of Power-Hitter Andre Russell Draws Ire From Ex-India Star: 'Even Four Players Like Green Can't Cover That'
Abhishek Nayar mastermind behind KKR releasing Andre Russell in IPL 2026? Ex-RCB star says ‘He wants to make his own…’
