IPL auction: Suitable buyers for Matheesha Pathirana after surprising CSK release

Matheesha Pathirana has been released by CSK [Source: AFP]

Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has been released by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, as confirmed by the franchise on Saturday. This ends his three-year journey with the team. 

Notably, CSK first signed him before IPL 2023 and later kept him for the 2025 mega auction for a huge amount of Rs. 13 crore. Even though he is now released, Pathirana is still one of the most exciting young fast bowlers in T20 because of his sling-action and deadly yorkers. 

As the IPL 2026 mini-auction gets closer in Abu Dhabi, here are three teams that could try to buy him and why they may want him.

1. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Delhi Capitals have improved compared to their previous seasons, but they still lack a strong partner for Mitchell Starc in the pace department. However, they do have Dushmantha Chameera, but the side lack a name like Pathirana. With a purse of Rs. 21.30 crore and five overseas slots available, DC have enough space to go after Pathirana.

Delhi has a stable Indian batting lineup, which means they can easily add one more overseas bowler to their playing XI. 

Having said that, Pathirana could be the ideal option for Delhi in the death overs, an area where the team has not been so effective. His record in this phase is impressive, with 33 wickets in 32 IPL innings at an economy rate of 9.16. Notably, the Sri Lankan pacer's bowling style also pairs well with Mitchell Starc, making him a strong fit for DC’s attack.

[Matheesha Pathirana's death bowling stats in IPL]

Together, they can create a strong left-arm/right-arm fast-bowling duo for the middle and end overs.

2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR is another team that could seriously target Pathirana. They missed out on the playoffs and have released overseas pacers like Spencer Johnson and Anrich Nortje. With a massive purse of Rs. 64.30 crore and six overseas slots open, KKR needs an experienced overseas fast bowler.

Since they currently lack a frontline overseas pacer, Pathirana becomes an ideal option. His deadly yorkers and death-overs control can give KKR the strong fast-bowling boost they are missing. With so many slots and a big budget, KKR is likely to be one of the strongest bidders for him.

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3. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Even though CSK have released Pathirana, they might still try to bring him back for a smaller price. His last season wasn’t great, but his overall performance for the team has been impressive. 

• In 32 innings, he has taken 47 wickets, becoming one of CSK’s most trusted death-overs bowlers. CSK knows him well, understands how to use him, and has seen how dangerous he can be when fully fit.

[Matheesha Pathirana's IPL stats]

• In IPL 2023, Pathirana made a huge impact right away, bowling consistently at 140 km/h+, surprising batters with his unusual release and extra bounce. He picked up 19 wickets in 12 matches, helping CSK win the title. 
• Notably, because of his past success and his strong relationship with the team, CSK could definitely try to sign him again, this time for a more reasonable amount.

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