CSK declined two trade offers before releasing Matheesha Pathirana; KKR in informal talks

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to receive Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the IPL 2025 mini auction, which is set to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The franchise also released ten more players, including Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana.

The IPL released the retention lists for all ten teams ahead of the 2026 auction. The Chennai Super Kings were one of the most active franchises. The five-time IPL champions moved on from Pathirana and released him ahead of the auction, which raised eyebrows. Notably, the franchise had retained him for ₹13 crore.

Matheesha Pathirana’s Release One of the Biggest Surprises Ahead of the Auction

Matheesha Pathirana’s release was one of the biggest surprises. CSK had retained him for ₹13 crore before the 2025 season. The Sri Lankan bowler made his IPL debut in 2022 and became an important part of their setup, especially with his slingy action and accuracy at the death.

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However, his performances declined over the last two seasons. He played only a few matches in IPL 2024 due to a hamstring injury. In IPL 2025, he managed 13 wickets from 12 games but leaked runs at over ten an over. He took only one wicket in two games during the Asia Cup 2025.

Overall, Matheesha Pathirana took 47 wickets in 32 matches at an average of 21.62 and an economy rate of 8.68, with best figures of 4/28. He was part of the team’s title win in 2023. CSK will now have to find another reliable death-overs option in the upcoming auction.

Kolkata Knight Riders in Informal Discussions with Matheesha Pathirana

According to a report by RevSportz, CSK did not release Matheesha Pathirana at the last moment. The team had already informed the 22-year-old about their decision almost a week before the retention deadline.

The report also mentioned that two teams showed interest in Pathirana during trade talks. When CSK approached Rajasthan Royals for a possible Sanju Samson trade, RR immediately asked for Pathirana, but CSK refused.

When CSK spoke with Punjab Kings about Marcus Stoinis, PBKS also demanded Pathirana, and CSK turned that request down as well, creating confusion. CSK had decided to move on from Pathirana but still refused trade offers.

Several franchises are likely to target Pathirana at the auction. Kolkata Knight Riders have held informal talks with the pacer. Delhi Capitals are also reported to have a strong interest in the Sri Lankan quick.

Wanted to Enter the Auction With a Substantial Purse - CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan stated that the franchise wanted to head into the auction with a larger purse after already making major moves. He said the management felt that freeing up more funds would help them build a stronger squad.

“We wanted to enter the auction with a substantial purse. We had already made tough calls by trading out Jadeja and Curran. Sanju Samson came at ₹18 crore," CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan.

"Given the kind of combination we are trying to build, the management collectively felt that a bigger purse would give us a better chance to construct a stronger squad. Whatever we do will always be in the best interests of the team. We will try to get him back but it will depend on how the auction pans out.”

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