Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) wicketkeeper-batter Robin Uthappa believes the franchise should go all-in for Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana at the IPL 2026 mini-auction, insisting the move could finally address KKR’s long-standing death-overs bowling concerns. With the Knight Riders heading into the auction with the most oversized purse among all teams, Uthappa feels the timing is ideal for a decisive, targeted investment rather than spreading resources thin.

KKR’s struggles at the back end of innings have been a recurring theme over the last few seasons. Despite often starting well in the power play and maintaining control through the middle overs, the lack of a reliable specialist at the death has cost them crucial matches. According to Uthappa, solving this one problem could significantly change KKR’s fortunes.

Speaking on the TATA IPL 2026 Auction War Room on JioStar, Robin Uthappa stressed that Pathirana ticks all the right boxes for KKR’s needs. “It’s all about planning and keeping things simple. We needed a proper death bowler. With the quality of coaching staff KKR have, Pathirana can be extremely effective at the death,” he said.

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Uthappa also pointed out that Pathirana’s recent dip in form and subsequent return to the auction pool could actually work in KKR’s favour. “He’s been a little off colour and has gone back into the auction. That can be a big motivational factor. Sometimes a change of franchise helps a player rediscover his best self,” he added.

Pathirana’s availability has been one of the most significant talking points ahead of the December 16 mini-auction. Chennai Super Kings surprised many by releasing the Sri Lankan pacer while making room for their high-profile trade involving Sanju Samson, which saw Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran move to Rajasthan Royals. To free up funds, CSK released Pathirana despite his proven match-winning credentials.

The decision raised eyebrows, especially given Pathirana’s impressive IPL record. In just 32 matches across four seasons, he has picked up 47 wickets and played a pivotal role in CSK’s 2023 title-winning campaign. Retained for ₹13 crore ahead of the previous mega-auction, his release is widely seen as a calculated risk, possibly with an eye on repurchasing him at a lower price.

However, KKR is well positioned to capitalise. With a massive ₹64.30 crore purse after releasing big names like Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer, the franchise has the financial muscle to outbid rivals. Reports also suggest KKR have already held informal discussions with Pathirana’s camp.

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Uthappa believes the team balance would remain intact if Pathirana is signed. With Varun Chakravarthy and Vaibhav Arora alongside him, KKR would have both variety and depth, especially with Arora offering better batting ability and Varun improving his hitting. For KKR, Pathirana could be less about experimentation and more about fixing a long-standing flaw that has often defined their seasons.