NEW DELHI: A struggling Kolkata Knight Riders received a timely lift on Sunday with the arrival of Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana, offering a ray of hope to a side languishing at the bottom of the points table. The franchise confirmed his arrival ahead of their crucial afternoon clash against Rajasthan Royals, a game that could prove pivotal in shaping their fading campaign.Pathirana, who had been sidelined with a calf strain sustained during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, recently cleared all fitness protocols laid down by Sri Lanka Cricket before receiving the mandatory no-objection certificate. While his presence significantly strengthens KKR’s depleted pace attack, the team management is unlikely to rush him into the playing XI immediately, opting instead to assess his match fitness over a few training sessions.KKR’s struggles deepen despite late boostThe 23-year-old slinger, bought for a hefty Rs 18 crore at the auction, was always expected to miss the initial phase of the season due to injury. His delayed arrival, however, comes at a time when KKR are desperately searching for answers after six matches without a win. Led by Ajinkya Rahane, the side has struggled to close out games, often letting winning positions slip, with their only point coming from a washout against Punjab Kings.KKR’s troubles have not been limited to injuries alone. Tactical decisions under Rahane and head coach Abhishek Nayar have drawn scrutiny, particularly the handling of Varun Chakravarthy, who was initially used in the powerplay and leaked runs. Selection calls too have raised eyebrows, with Tim Seifert only recently getting a game and Rachin Ravindra yet to feature, despite a strong support staff that includes Shane Watson, Tim Southee and Dwayne Bravo.They now face a formidable Rajasthan side that had started strongly before a stumble against Sunrisers Hyderabad. With players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag looking to bounce back from a rare batting failure, the contest remains evenly poised despite the contrasting form.For KKR, Pathirana’s arrival could be the turning point they have been waiting for. With a month-long break approaching due to the Indian Assembly Elections, the urgency to secure their first win is greater than ever, especially with limited opportunities remaining at Eden Gardens later in the season.
