The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have made a surprising last-minute change to their roster by signing wicketkeeper-batter Luvnith Sisodia as a replacement for injured pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who has been sidelined for the remainder of IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury. Sisodia, who has previously played for both KKR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, returns to the franchise despite a modest domestic record of 124 runs in 15 T20 matches for Karnataka. His addition is intended to bolster KKR's batting and wicketkeeping depth at a critical juncture of the season.

As KKR prepares for their final league match against Delhi Capitals in Kolkata, their playoff aspirations are still very much alive. However, the outcome of the earlier match between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians will significantly influence KKR's chances. If Rajasthan wins, they will secure a playoff spot, leaving KKR's hopes dashed. Conversely, if Rajasthan falters, KKR will have a chance to contend for a place in the Eliminator. KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar has noted that the team is grappling with multiple injury concerns, including key spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who is playing through a fractured toe, and young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who has been ruled out for the season.