MS Dhoni and CSK in a troublesome state as they lose another star player to injury ahead of IPL 2024

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could suffer another big injury blow as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have delivered a worrying update on the fitness of fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana. The reigning IPL champions have already lost the services of Devon Conway for at least the first half of IPL 2024.

The New Zealand opener has been sidelined with a thumb injury he sustained during the second T20I against Australia last month. He had to undergo surgery on the thumb and will be on the sidelines at least until May.

Missing Conway will be a big blow for the Chennai-based outfit. The left-handed batsman was one of the best performers in the last edition of the IPL. In 16 games, Conway scored 672 runs with the help of six half-centuries. He also starred in the final against Gujarat Titans and was adjudged the Player of the Match for his quickfire knock of 47 runs.

SLC’s update on Matheesha Pathirana:

SLC, on Friday (March 8), announced that Matheesha Pathirana has suffered a grade 1 hamstring injury and will miss the upcoming third T20I between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The right-arm pacer had sustained the injury while bowling in the first second T20I of the three-match series.

Matheesha Pathirana was seen clutching his left hamstring while bowling his final over and eventually failed to complete the over. Veteran allrounder Angelo Mathews had to deliver the last two balls of the young pacer’s fourth over.

“Matheesha Pathirana will not be available for selection for the 3rd T20I, as the player has sustained a Grade 1 hamstring injury on his left leg. Pathirana suffered the injury while bowling in the 2nd T20i game.”

🚨 Team Updates

Matheesha Pathirana will not be available for selection for the 3rd T20I, as the player has sustained a Grade 1 hamstring injury on his left leg.

Pathirana suffered the injury while bowling in the 2nd T20i game. #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/HxfDwmHiAp

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) March 8, 2024

CSK will be hoping that their star pacer recovers quickly for IPL 2024. Grade 1 hamstring injury does not take too long to heal although it would not be very surprising if Matheesha Pathirana misses CSK’s first game of the season, scheduled to be played against Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 22.

Matheesha Pathirana had a fine outing in IPL 2023 as he picked up 19 wickets in 12 games. He is CSK’s designated death bowler and will be eyeing another successful campaign in IPL.