Massive update arrives from CSK camp on Mustafizur Rahman and Matheesha Pathirana's availability for KKR match

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are all set to receive a major double boost ahead of their IPL 2024 clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Monday, April 8.

As reported by Sportstar, Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman and Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana will be back in action for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) upcoming IPL 2024 game against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Chennai.

Mustafizur missed CSK’s last game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as he traveled back to Bangladesh for visa-related work. However, he's expected to return to Chennai in time for the 22nd game of the ongoing IPL 2024 between CSK and KKR on Monday in Chennai.

We’re still not sure yet about Mustafizur Rahman's return: Eric Simons

CSK’s bowling consultant Eric Simons said during the pre-match press conference in Chennai: “Regarding Fizz (Mustafizur), we’re still not sure yet. His getting back here is not really in our hands as he’s flown back to Bangladesh for his passport. So, let’s see what happens. But as a team, we have to prepare for these eventualities.”

Meanwhile, there's still uncertainty surrounding Matheesha Pathirana's availability for the CSK vs. KKR IPL 2024 match in Chennai. The young fast bowler was sidelined for the game against SRH due to a minor niggle; however, Simons clarified that his absence from the match was a precautionary measure.

The bowling consultant further revealed that Pathirana's availability for the upcoming games in the ongoing season would depend on the physiotherapist's assessment and decision.

He’s coming along very nicely: Simons on Matheesha Pathirana

Eric Simons stated, “Regarding Pathirana, yes, it’s a long tournament. We wanted to be conservative with the decision surrounding him. So, whether he’ll play in the next match is up to the physios to decide. Our only concern is that it’s a long tournament. We just want to make sure that we don’t risk four games to make sure he plays one. So, our decisions are based on that. But he’s coming along very nicely.”

Notably, Pathirana has the same bowling style as Sri Lankan great Lasith Malinga, and he faces a persistent risk of injury due to the lower angle of release, which adds strain to his lower back.

Well, despite this concern, there's optimism about Pathirana's return to CSK’s playing XI for the home game against KKR, as he was seen practicing at the nets on Sunday, April 7. His return to nets hinted that his return may be sooner than anticipated.

Speaking about the defending champions' journey in the ongoing IPL 17, the Yellow Army has so far played four games and had mixed results, emerging victorious in two of their four outings. Notably, CSK are currently ranked third in the IPL 2024 points table and will look to make the most of their home conditions against KKR in order to return to winning ways. 

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