IPL 2024 Matheesha Pathirana
IPL 2024: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana have expressed their admiration for the legendary MS Dhoni, with Pathirana describing the former India captain as playing a “father’s role” in his cricket life. Pathirana has urged Dhoni to play for one more season in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
IPL 2024: Crucial IPL Encounter for CSK
The five-time IPL champions CSK will be locking horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Dharamshala on Sunday. This will be a crucial game for CSK as far as their playoff chances are concerned. The Yellow Army is currently placed fifth in the points table with five wins and five losses, giving them a total of 10 points. On the other hand, PBKS is at the seventh spot with four wins, six losses, and a total of eight points. In their previous encounter, PBKS won by seven wickets against CSK in Chennai on Wednesday.
Pathirana’s Gratitude Towards Dhoni
Speaking on the Lions Upclose show by CSK, Pathirana expressed his gratitude towards Dhoni, stating that the veteran cricketer has been a father figure to him in his cricket journey. “After my father, in my cricket life, mostly he (Dhoni) is playing my father’s role because he is always taking care of me, giving me advice, what I have to do, similar to my father when I am at home. He tells just small things, but it makes a lot of difference. So those little things, I take a lot of confidence,” said the Sri Lankan pacer.
Pathirana’s Wish for Dhoni to Play One More Season
Pathirana further revealed that even though he and Dhoni do not talk much off the field, he often goes to the former India captain to seek guidance and support. “Every time he is telling me, ‘Enjoy your game and take care of your body,’ Mahi bhai, if you can play one more season, please play with us. If I am here,” he concluded.
Pathirana’s Impressive IPL Performances
Matheesha Pathirana has been an integral part of the CSK setup in the last two IPL seasons. After impressing with his slingy action reminiscent of Sri Lankan pace legend Lasith Malinga, Pathirana made his debut for the Lankan Lions following the IPL 2022. In 12 matches of the IPL 2023, he took 19 wickets at an average of 14.63, with best figures of 3/15 and played a crucial role in CSK’s fifth title win.
Ongoing IPL 2024 and Missed Opportunities
In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, Pathirana has played just six games owing to injury and taken 13 wickets at an average of 13.00, with the best figures of 4/28. CSK missed Pathirana’s services as he returned to his home country to sort out visa issues ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup this year, starting in the West Indies/USA from June 1 onwards.
Pathirana’s Exploits with the Sri Lankan Team
Pathirana’s exploits with the Sri Lankan national team have also been noteworthy. In the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023, the young pacer played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s triumph, picking up 11 wickets in 6 matches at an impressive average of 13.27 and an economy rate of 6.63. His performances in the tournament earned him the ‘Player of the Series’ award, further cementing his status as one of the rising stars of Sri Lankan cricket.
Pathirana’s Family Meeting with MS Dhoni
Last year, Pathirana’s family had the opportunity to meet MS Dhoni, an experience that the pacer cherishes deeply. “It was a proud moment for my family to meet Mahi bhai. They were so excited and happy to interact with him. He made them feel so comfortable and welcomed. That’s the kind of person he is, always putting others before himself,” Pathirana revealed.
Dhoni’s Influence and Pathirana’s Future
Dhoni’s influence on Pathirana’s career has been immense, with the legendary wicket-keeper-batter providing the young pacer with invaluable guidance and support. Pathirana’s admiration for Dhoni is evident in his words, as he continues to seek the veteran’s advice and mentorship.
As CSK prepares to face PBKS in a crucial IPL encounter, the presence of Pathirana and the guidance of Dhoni will be crucial for the defending champions. The Sri Lankan pacer will be eager to contribute to CSK’s success, while also hoping that Dhoni will continue to grace the IPL with his presence for one more season.
