IPL 2026: No place for Matheesha Pathirana as LSG opt to bowl vs KKR in bottom-table clash
Kolkata Knight Riders opted for continuity, leaving Matheesha Pathirana out of their playing XI against Lucknow Super Giants. Captain Ajinkya Rahane stated the team aimed to bat first, giving their batting unit freedom and reflecting on past games. Rishabh Pant won the toss and chose to bowl, emphasizing clarity in execution and team unity.
Matheesha Pathirana’s much-anticipated return will have to wait, as Kolkata Knight Riders left the Sri Lankan pacer out of the playing XI for their crucial clash against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium. Despite being available, KKR opted for continuity. Captain Ajinkya Rahane said, “We were looking to bat first.
At the moment, it’s important to see how we are playing as a team. The bowling unit is coming together nicely. The reason we wanted to bat first was to give freedom to our batting unit so they can bat freely.
” He added that the break helped the side reset. “The week off was really important. We sat together, reflected on the last seven games and areas to improve.
” Rishabh Pant won the toss and chose to bowl, stressing the need for clarity in execution. “We want to put the opposition on the back foot first and find answers as a batting group,” he said. Pant also confirmed one change, with George Linde coming in.