Matheesha Pathirana gave Father status to MS Dhoni, now abandoned

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have reportedly been in talks over a trade involving wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. As per the latest reports, CSK are ready to trade all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in the proposed exchange, while RR are interested in Matheesha Pathirana.

The mini auction is likely to take place between December 13 and 15. Notably, the last two editions were held in Dubai and Jeddah, while the venue for this year’s event is yet to be announced. Ahead of the auction, all ten franchises have been asked to submit their list of retained players by November 15.

Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings in Talks Over Sanju Samson Trade

Teams can retain any number of players without a cap. However, each squad must remain within the 25-player limit. The BCCI is yet to make an official announcement about the event, and there has been speculation around player trades and retention strategies.

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Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings have been in negotiations over a potential trade involving Sanju Samson. CSK have reportedly offered Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in exchange.

However, Rajasthan are said to be unsatisfied with the proposed deal, creating uncertainty over Samson’s future. The wicketkeeper-batter is believed to be exploring opportunities beyond Rajasthan, making this one of the most talked-about trade sagas ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

Matheesha Pathirana To Join Rajasthan Royals Ahead of IPL 2026?

Rajasthan Royals are unhappy with the Chennai Super Kings’ trade proposal that includes Sam Curran as part of the Sanju Samson deal. According to The Indian Express, Rajasthan are not interested in Curran’s inclusion and have requested Matheesha Pathirana in the exchange.

Pathirana has emerged as a key target for Rajasthan due to his growing reputation as a reliable fast bowler. However, Chennai views the young pacer as a long-term prospect who is expected to play a major role in the team’s plans.

While Rajasthan remains open to continuing discussions about Samson’s move, there is no clarity on whether CSK will reconsider their stance in the coming days.

MS Dhoni Is Like My Father Because... - Matheesha Pathirana

A recent Instagram story from Matheesha Pathirana’s manager, featuring the single word “Loading…”, has sparked speculation among fans. The cryptic post has reignited rumours of a major trade deal between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals involving Pathirana and Sanju Samson.

Pathirana manager Instagram story 🙂‍↔️ pic.twitter.com/trDkJHLhft

— Prakash (@definitelynot05) November 9, 2025

Rajasthan are keen on securing the services of the young Sri Lankan pacer. However, Chennai are hesitant to part ways with him, considering Pathirana a vital long-term asset for the franchise. Fans are now eagerly waiting to see whether the post was a hint of a blockbuster trade in the making.

In April 2025, Matheesha Pathirana expressed his deep admiration for former Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni, calling him his “cricketing father.” The 22-year-old said that Dhoni’s mentorship at CSK reminded him of the support he received from his own father back home in Sri Lanka.

"MS Dhoni is like my father because of the support and the mentorship, and the guidance he gave me at CSK. So, it is similar to what my father did in my home. So that is why I consider Dhoni my cricketing father," Pathirana said in CSK's 'The Making of Matheesha Pathirana' documentary.

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