Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought young Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for a whopping INR 18 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Following the move, Pathirana shared an emotional post on Instagram, thanking his former captain MS Dhoni and the entire Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise for supporting him through his highs and lows.
He wrote: “I am forever grateful to Dhoni bhai for the guidance and trust, Kasi sir and the management for believing in me, my teammates for standing by me like brothers, and every loyal CSK fan who supported me through every high and low. Your love meant everything to me.”
Pathirana made his debut for CSK in 2022 and played 32 matches across four seasons for the Chennai-based franchise. He picked up 47 wickets at an average of 21.62 and an economy rate of 8.68.
He further wrote: “From a boy with a dream to wearing yellow with pride. CSK gave me more than just cricket it gave me belief, confidence, and a family I will always cherish. From 2022 till the end of 2025, every moment in yellow shaped me as a cricketer and as a person. I always wanted to finish my last season with CSK on a special note, to give my best till the end and reach 50 wickets for this incredible franchise. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make that happen, but the dream and the effort were always from the heart.”
KKR were in search of a fast bowler who could be lethal in the death overs, and Pathirana’s yorkers could provide the solution. The 22-year-old will strengthen KKR’s fast-bowling pool. Along with him, the franchise also bought Akash Deep and Mustafizur Rahman in the auction.
He concluded with another heartfelt message: “Chennai will always have a special place in my heart. Chennai will always feel like home, and yellow will always have a special place in my heart. With respect, gratitude, and pride, I now turn the page and begin a new chapter with KKR. Thank you CSK. Thank you Chennai. Forever grateful.”
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