PBKS vs CSK: "Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana will be joining the CSK camp on.." - Player's manager issues an official statement
Published - 03 May 2024, 12:14 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:11 AM
Amila Kalugalage provided a positive update on Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana's availability in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Amila Kalugalage mentioned that Pathirana and Theekshana will join the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp on time after completing the visa process.
The Chennai Super Kings were without the services of Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana, and Maheesh Theekshana in their recent match. Mustafizur, the second-highest wicket-taker in the IPL 2024, had to return to his home country as his No Objection Certificate from his board expired on May 1.
Matheesha Pathirana and Matheesha Theekshana have returned home to secure visas for the T20 World Cup. Pathirana has taken 13 wickets in 6 matches at an average of 13.00 and an economy rate of 7.68. Theekshana has secured two wickets in three games at an average of 45.50 and an economy rate of 7.58.
Expect Fireworks From The Two Boys - Matheesha Pathirana’s manager
Matheesha Pathirana’s manager, Amila Kalugalage, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to announce that both Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana will join the CSK camp on time. Kalugalage stated that the duo would deliver an impressive performance if they got the chance to bowl.
"Theekshana and Pathirana will be joining the CSK camp on time after completing the Visa process for the upcoming CWC2024. Good news for #WhistlePodu fans. Expect fireworks from the two boys if they get an opportunity to ball. #IPL2024 #Yellove," Amila Kalugalage wrote.
The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team suffered a seven-wicket loss to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at home on May 1. Mustafizur conceded just 22 runs in four overs, including a maiden over. Richard Gleeson made his IPL debut in the absence of Pathirana and picked up one wicket for 30 runs in 3.5 overs.
Sri Lankan Boys Are Off To Get Visa - Stephen Fleming
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming expressed hope for Matheesha Pathirana's availability for the next match. Fleming acknowledged the challenge of adjusting the team's game plan quickly and the need for players to settle into their roles.
"Deepak Chahar doesn't look good. Initial feeling wasn't great. So we are waiting for more positive report. Physio and doctors will have a look. Sri Lankan boys are off to get visas. So we are hoping that their process is smooth. And we get them back for our next game up north (at Dharamshala)," Stephen Fleming said.
"Richard Gleeson was good, he was positive. Tushar Deshpande got flu, so we had to make a few changes today, which is a bit unusual. But again that's part of it and we have got resources. It's just they haven't got time to be comfortable about their roles and us to be comfortable with the game plan that we are struggling with," Fleming added.
Chennai is set to face the Punjab Kings in their next match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday, May 5. The CSK team is currently in fifth place in the 10-team points table, while the Punjab Kings are in seventh place.
