IPL 2026: KKR make surprise last-minute replacement with playoff hopes on the line vs DC

Kolkata Knight Riders have brought in wicketkeeper-batter Luvnith Sisodia as a replacement for injured pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the IPL 2026 with a hamstring injury.

Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Sisodia, who has previously been part of both KKR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, returns to the franchise setup after a modest domestic record, having scored 124 runs in 15 T20 appearances for Karnataka. His inclusion adds depth to KKR’s batting and wicketkeeping options at a crucial stage of the season.



KKR now head into their final league fixture against Delhi Capitals with everything still on the line. Before they face DC in Kolkata, the result of Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians will shape the equation. RR can seal qualification with a win, which would effectively shut the door on the rest of the chasing pack.

However, if RR slip up against MI, the evening fixture in Kolkata turns into a live playoff battle, with KKR still in contention for a place in the Eliminator.

Head coach Abhishek Nayar confirmed that KKR have been managing significant injury concerns in the squad. Key spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been playing through a fractured toe, while young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been ruled out for the season with a concussion and a left finger fracture.

With injuries mounting and qualification hopes hanging by a thread, KKR’s final league game promises to arrive with full clarity or complete chaos depending on results elsewhere.

Stay updated with the latest IPL Live Score, IPL news on Times of India. Follow the IPL Schedule, check the IPL Points Table, and track the race for the IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple Cap.