Pathirana continues his recovery from a left calf injury.
| Photo Credit: AFP

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been dealt a significant setback ahead of IPL 2026, with key pacers Matheesha Pathirana and Harshit Rana struggling with injuries.Head coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed during the team’s pre-season press conference that Pathirana will miss the early phase of the tournament due to a calf strain and is expected to return only around mid-April. Rana’s injury has further complicated KKR’s pace-bowling plans, with the team still evaluating replacements.

Bravo backs India’s fast-bowling depth

Despite the setbacks, KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo struck an optimistic tone, highlighting India’s growing pool of fast bowlers.“In any tournament with any team, once you lose some of the key bowling options, these are things you plan for, but also things you have to accept. The good thing about Indian cricket, especially at the moment, is that there is a lot of depth,” Bravo Said“So there are some guys, as the coach mentioned, that we are definitely looking at to fill the spot – the likes of Umran Malik. These guys are also players who have represented the national team at some point in time and have also played in the IPL before. They are young, exciting talents. So, for me personally, I’m happy to work with this group of fast bowlers,” he added.Strong spin attack offers balanceWhile the pace attack faces challenges, Bravo expressed strong confidence in KKR’s spin department, led by Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy.“We have the best spin attack in the entire competition, so from a bowling point of view, I think we will be fine. Also, I can’t forget Vaibhav – what a fantastic season last year. He’s been the leader of the attack over the last two seasons as well. So, yes, we’ve lost some key players, but I feel comfortable [knowing that] we have what it takes to replace those guys,” Bravo stated confidence.KKR also have additional pace options in Akash Deep and Kartik Tyagi, giving them flexibility despite the injuries.

KKR’s early IPL 2026 schedule

KKR will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Mumbai Indians on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium.Their upcoming fixtures include:vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – April 2 (Eden Gardens)vs Punjab Kings – April 6 (Eden Gardens)vs Lucknow Super Giants – April 9 (Eden Gardens)

Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe (Agency Image)

Although qualification permutations are no longer in play with the Super Eights line-up already confirmed, there is still plenty at stake when Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe face off in Colombo. Both sides remain unbeaten in the group stage, and this fixture offers a timely dress rehearsal before the next phase of the tournament.For context, one of these teams failed to progress to the Super Eights in the 2024 edition, while the other did not even make it to that tournament. By that measure alone, this campaign marks clear progress for both outfits. However, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza made it clear after the washed-out clash against Ireland that merely reaching the Super Eights will not satisfy his team.Zimbabwe have already made headlines by knocking Australia out early and will aim to carry that momentum forward when they travel to India for the next round. With two strong victories built on collective performances across batting, bowling and fielding, another win — especially against the co-hosts — would significantly boost their confidence and potentially secure a top finish in Group B.Standing in their way is a Sri Lankan side brimming with form. They are coming off one of their most dominant T20 World Cup victories in recent memory. Pathum Nissanka delivered what many consider the innings of the tournament so far, Kusal Mendis has been in outstanding touch, and Pavan Rathnayake has emerged as an unexpected but effective presence at No. 4.Injuries, however, have tested Sri Lanka’s depth. Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the competition, adding to the earlier loss of Wanindu Hasaranga. As co-hosts, they will be eager to avoid further setbacks while maintaining their rhythm heading into the Super Eights.

Today T20 World Cup matches – Thursday, 19 February