Matheesha Pathirana's manager provides a crucial update on young pacer's readiness to play in IPL 2024
Published - 22 Mar 2024, 01:55 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 05:39 PM
Matheesha Pathirana’s manager, Amila Kalugalage, provided a significant update on the young pacer’s availability for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Recent reports suggest that Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the IPL 2024.
During the second T20I against Bangladesh in Sylhet on March 6, the 21-year-old pacer sustained a left leg muscle injury. Despite attempting to complete an over, he was forced to withdraw from the match after experiencing discomfort, forcing him to leave the field.
According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Matheesha Pathirana will miss early matches of the season due to a grade-one hamstring injury. Pathirana’s absence is expected to last at least two weeks, and he will join the IPL only after receiving medical clearance from the SLC.
As per the report, Pathirana has yet to join CSK’s camp as he undergoes rehabilitation with an SLC physio. Clearance from the physio will be necessary before he can join the CSK squad, likely causing him to miss the opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Matheesha Pathirana Is Fit And Ready To Throw Thunder Balls – Amila Kalugalage
Matheesha Pathirana‘s manager refuted rumors of the pacer being excluded from the IPL 2024. Amila Kalugalage said that Pathirana is fit and ready to deliver impressive performances for the five-time IPL champions.
“The answer to “Where’s Pathirana” He is fit and ready to throw Thunder balls. Be ready. Finally a together with the Legend @matheesha_9 #WhistlePodu #csk #IPL2024,” Amila Kalugalage posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
The answer to “Where’s Pathirana”
He is fit and ready to throw Thunder ⚡ balls. Be ready 💣.
Finally a 📸 together with the Legend @<!---->m<!---->a<!---->t<!---->h<!---->e<!---->e<!---->s<!---->h<!---->a<!---->_<!---->9 😄 #<!---->W<!---->h<!---->i<!---->s<!---->t<!---->l<!---->e<!---->P<!---->o<!---->d<!---->u #<!---->c<!---->s<!---->k #<!---->I<!---->P<!---->L<!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4 p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->J<!---->K<!---->s<!---->v<!---->9<!---->g<!---->a<!---->c<!---->W<!---->m— Amila Kalugalage (@akalugalage) M<!---->a<!---->r<!---->c<!---->h<!----> <!---->2<!---->2<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4
Pathirana stood out as a key performer during IPL 2023, particularly in the death overs for the Chennai Super Kings. He emerged as the team’s third-highest wicket-taker, securing 19 wickets in 12 matches with an average of 19.52 and an economy rate of 8.01.
Death Bowling Is My Specialty – Dwayne Bravo
CSK bowling coach Dwayne Bravo emphasized the significance of death bowling. Bravo highlighted the team’s commitment to excellence, especially in the final overs of T20 matches.
“Death bowling is my specialty. I believe that in T20s, [death overs] is a very important segment of the game. It requires a lot of skill, bravery, and planning – from preparation in practice to the games, match awareness, and situations,” Bravo was quoted by ESPNCricinfo as saying.
“You have to implement it in practice and get these guys to believe in philosophy and work towards it. Last year, we had the best death-bowling team, and we look forward to repeating it… Shardul [Thakur] is also back, which gives more depth. It is always good to have depth in the squad,” he added.
The IPL 2024 season will commence in Chennai on March 22, featuring a match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium. This opening clash sets the stage for an exciting South Indian derby in the IPL.
Bangladesh’s prominent pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, might feature in the match against RCB at Chepauk Stadium. Rahman, known for his unorthodox bowling style and wrist variations, also faced an injury scare during the recent ODI against Sri Lanka on March 18.
