Archive · 18 Dec 2025
KKR's Rs 18 Crore Gamble on Pathirana
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spent a huge amount of Rs 18 crore to buy a bowler named Matheesha Pathirana in the IPL 2026 auction.
This bowler used to play for another team, CSK, but they let him go.
A former India captain named Srikkanth thinks this is a big risk because Pathirana is not always a great bowler.
He sometimes does well, but sometimes he doesn't.
Srikkanth also mentioned that KKR made a smart move by getting another bowler, Mustafizur Rahman, as a backup.
Pathirana didn't do very well in the last IPL season, but many teams still wanted him.
Srikkanth is surprised that so many teams bid for him and that he was sold for such a high price.
However, it's been reported that Mustafizur Rahman, who was bought for Rs 9.2 crore, might not be available for the entire IPL 2026 season.
KKR signed Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 18 crore at the IPL 2026 auction on December 16, 2025.
Former India captain Srikkanth expressed doubts about the signing, calling Pathirana a 'hit-and-miss' bowler.
KKR also signed Mustafizur Rahman as a backup for Pathirana for Rs 9.2 crore, but he might not be available for the entire IPL 2026 season.
Pathirana had an underwhelming 2025 IPL season with 13 wickets in 12 matches and an economy over 10.
Srikkanth was surprised by the high price and the number of teams bidding for Pathirana.
- Who
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and former India captain Srikkanth
- What
- KKR's Rs 18 crore signing of Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana at the IPL 2026 auction
- When
- December 16, 2025
- Where
- IPL 2026 auction
- Why
- To acquire Pathirana's bowling skills despite his inconsistent performance
KKR's Perspective
Critics' Perspective
Pathirana's Potential
KKR's Perspective
KKR sees Pathirana as a valuable asset who can contribute significantly to the team's bowling attack.
Critics' Perspective
Critics like Srikkanth believe Pathirana is a 'hit-and-miss' bowler with inconsistent performance.
Backup Bowler
KKR's Perspective
KKR's signing of Mustafizur Rahman as a backup shows their strategic planning and depth in the bowling department.
Critics' Perspective
Critics might argue that the high price for Pathirana could have been better utilized elsewhere.
- Player
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Team
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Amount
- Rs 18 crore
- Auction Date
- December 16, 2025
- Former Team
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Backup Player
- Mustafizur Rahman
- 2025 IPL Performance
- 13 wickets in 12 matches, economy over 10
- Mustafizur Rahman's Availability
- Not available for the entirety of IPL 2026
Sources
'He's A Hit-And-Miss Bowler': Ex-India Captain Casts Doubt On KKR’s Rs 18 Crore Gamble At IPL 2026 Auction
Ex-India Batter Questions KKR's Decision To Sign 'Hit-And-Miss Bowler' For Rs 18 Crore
KKR's Rs 9.2 Crore Buy Might Not Play Entire IPL 2026: Report
'Mustafizur Rahman For Rs 9.20 Cr...': Ex-KKR Star Puzzled Over 'Overpriced' Buy at IPL Auction
