Pathum Nissanka has been the form batter for Sri Lanka for some time now. He may not be the gaudy type that gets attention with shocking sixes every other ball, but he is consistent, and in T20 cricket, he has improved his strike rate enough to be the type of batsman that every franchise wants. Just don’t let his 2024 numbers fool you-622 runs and already the leading run scorer in the Asia Cup 2025. That is no longer a hot streak-that is a statement. With the IPL 2026 auction just around the corner, you can guarantee his name will be the subject of conversation during team meetings.

 

Delhi Capitals

 

There is a single way to describe Delhi’s 2025 IPL campaign: it is a “chaos.” They tried Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Abhishek Porel – you name it – it was all in vain. This franchise takes pride in developing young stars, yet their top order was as volatile as a revolving door.

 

This is exactly where Nissanka comes in. Pairing him with KL Rahul might seem like a conservative option, but don’t let the “two right-handers” tag fool you. Both have adjusted their games to modern T20 demands, and Nissanka’s strike rate surge (120 in his early days to 156+ in 2025 powerplays) proves he’s no longer just an anchor. He can accelerate, build a platform, and let DC’s middle order loaded with finishers.

 

Mumbai Indians

 

At first glance, MI looks sorted. Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma clicked well last season, and Will Jacks is floating around, too. But here’s the thing—Rohit isn’t going to open forever, and finding a long-term Indian replacement at the top is easier said than done.

 

That’s where Nissanka could slot in as a smart overseas pick. His game is tailor-made for Wankhede—strong square of the wicket, comfortable on the bounce, and quick hands against pace. His strike rate against pacers has jumped from 127 in his early career to 155+ in 2025, which is basically a dream scenario on Mumbai’s batting-friendly tracks.

 

Kolkata Knight Riders

 

KKR fans know the pain of watching their openers collapse and leave too much pressure on the middle order. Losing Phil Salt after 2024 hurt badly, and since then, it’s been a patchwork job with Gurbaz, de Kock, and even Narine. Yes, they’ve got power hitters galore in the middle, but when the top order fails, even Russell and Rinku can’t pull off miracles every time.

 

Enter Nissanka. He may not be the explosive dasher Salt was, but that’s exactly why KKR needs him. A solid, reliable opener who can bat deep and steady the ship—something they’ve been missing for years. His ability to anchor while still striking at 140+ in recent seasons means he won’t bog them down either. He’s the kind of under-the-radar signing who ends up becoming a season-defining buy.

 

FAQs

 

1. Why is Pathum Nissanka being discussed as a top IPL 2026 target?

 

Because of his consistent run-scoring form and improved strike rate in T20Is since 2024.

 

2. Why do the Delhi Capitals need Nissanka?

 

DC struggled with unstable opening combinations in IPL 2025, and Nissanka offers long-term stability.

 

3. How would Nissanka fit into the Mumbai Indians’ plans?

 

He could be a smart successor to Rohit Sharma with a batting style suited for Wankhede.

 

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