Matheesha Pathirana's CSK career over? Coach drops massive hint

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowling coach Eric Simons has come to the defense of young pacer Matheesha Pathirana after his recent struggles in IPL 2025. Simons said that Pathirana's accuracy isn't the issue, but added that opposing batters have become more familiar with his bowling style and are adapting better.

Pathirana was among CSK's retentions ahead of IPL 2025 following his performances over the previous three seasons. He had been a game-changer for the team. However, the right-arm fast bowler has struggled to take wickets in the ongoing season. He has picked up only nine wickets at a dismal economy rate of 10.40.

I'm Not Sure That Matheesha Pathirana Is Less Accurate - Eric Simons

After the game, Eric Simons said that Matheesha Pathirana's performance hasn't declined significantly. However, Simons acknowledged that batters have become more adept at facing Pathirana.

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“Oh well, there are a few things. I think it's been quite well documented that there was a bit of an action change. But I think he's pretty much back to where he was and just in terms of the height of his arm on a reasonably consistent basis,” said Simons in the post-match press conference.

"I'm not sure that he's less accurate. I think batters are playing him a lot better. We can certainly see a trend in the way that batters are playing against him, particularly against Mumbai the other day. The technique that they're using, they understand what his plans are and what he does," he added.

Batsmen Are Treating Matheesha Pathirana Differently - Eric Simons

Eric Simons added that Matheesha Pathirana must adapt his tactics as opposition batters have started finding ways to counter him. Simons noted that batters are treating him differently this season.

“So the evolution might just be what's next for him tactically as to what he needs to do to keep evolving. Batters need to keep evolving, bowlers need to keep evolving. So again tonight, his channels are quite good. His lines are quite good," Simons stated.

"Obviously, he got his lengths; he'd prefer a fuller length, but the batsmen are treating him differently this year. So it's about the evolution of him, but other than his accuracy, you know, if you check his accuracy, it's not a reflection of maybe the runs that are scored,” he added.

Matheesha Pathirana Takes Two Wickets as Punjab Kings Secure Four-Wicket Win

Matheesha Pathirana took two wickets for 45 runs in his four overs as Punjab Kings chased down a target of 191 in 19.4 overs. Pathirana changed his bowling action before the season. However, his performance has been marred by issues with wides. He is also the only bowler in IPL 2025 to have bowled more than 30 wides.

Chennai Super Kings were eliminated from playoff contention after suffering a four-wicket loss at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday, April 30. CSK have failed to qualify for the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

CSK were asked to bat first and posted a total of 190 in 20 overs. Sam Curran top-scored with 88 off 47 balls. In response, Punjab Kings chased down the target with half-centuries from Shreyas Iyer (72 off 41) and Prabhsimran Singh (54 off 36).

Also read: Ricky Ponting throws massive hint on Glenn Maxwell's replacement in IPL 2025 for Punjab Kings