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“Is he such a big bowler…”: Srikkanth casts doubt over Pathirana’s record IPL fee

Poulomi Chakraborty

Kris Srikkanth doubts over Pathirana's IPL price (Source: @dhotedhulwate/x.com, @ShauryaMishra01/x.com)Kris Srikkanth doubts over Pathirana's IPL price (Source: @dhotedhulwate/x.com, @ShauryaMishra01/x.com)

The recently concluded mini auction of the IPL 2026 was full of surprises, as some bold choices and big picks turned heads. Kolkata Knight Riders came loaded with a massive purse, making waves with blockbuster signings, including the eye-catching addition of Matheesha Pathirana.

KKR’s blockbuster move to snag Sri Lankan star for a staggering 18 crore amount set the cricketing world abuzz. Reflecting on the Knights’ move, Kris Srikkanth labelled him as a hit-and-miss bowler.

Srikkanth questions whether Pathirana is worth the massive price tag

Over the years, the IPL auction never delivered a single dull moment, and the recent mini auction was no exception. The purchases of the franchises turned heads, but KKR stunned fans with some of their biggest buys. After Chennai Super Kings released Matheesha Pathirana, his move to the KKR camp set the cricket world buzzing.

Turning the rumors into reality, the Knights were named in the squad with a staggering amount of 18 crores, leaving the world in shock. After the Sri Lankan star sealed the big deal, former Indian player Kris Srikkanth doubted KKR’s call. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he applauded KKR’s smart decision to rope in Mustafizur Rahman as backup.

“Pathirana is a huge risk. He's a hit-and-miss bowler. But KKR made a smart move by buying Mustafizur Rahman also. They've got a backup for Pathirana with Mustafizur. It was expected that with Bravo's presence, Pathirana would go to KKR. But I was surprised at his price and the number of teams that went for him,” he said.


“LSG kept going for him until 18 crores. Is he such a big bowler to go for 18 crores? His performance was very ordinary in the last IPL season. Many players get excluded after one bad season. Someone like Fraser McGurk didn't do well one season, and he's not even in the scene. Same with Devon Conway,” he added.

Cameron Green justifies his record-breaking IPL price

Stepping into the auction with a huge purse, the KKR management made the most of it. Even before the auction, Cameron Green’s craze was massive, and finally, the Knights sealed the deal. For a staggering 25.2 crore, the Aussie all-rounder joined KKR, and even Kris Srikkanth admitted the move was hardly a surprise.

“Cameron Green's but was along expected lines. 25 crores for him was expected, and he deserves it. The good thing for Green and KKR is that he'll bat in his preferred position. He'll play in the top three consistently and won't go to 4 and 5,” he said.

After lifting their third IPL trophy in IPL 2024, the Kolkata Knight Riders struggled in IPL 2025 with their form. With just five victories in the season, they ended in 8th position on the points table. With a bold strategy in place, the Knights are determined to reclaim their lost glory and turn heads once again.