Sri Lanka don't want Matheesha Pathirana to represent CSK in IPL 2024? Report reveals

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star pacer Matheesha Pathirana is all set to miss the initial part of the Indian Premier League (IP) 2024. As per the reports in ESPNCricinfo, it is learned that the fast bowler will join the franchise only after getting clearance from Sri Lanka’s medical team.

Matheesha Pathirana sustained the hamstring injury during the recently concluded T20I series against Bangladesh. The 21-year-old during the second game of the series in Sylhet clutched his hamstring and looked in immense pain. He even couldn’t complete his full spell.

Matheesha Pathirana then was deemed unfit to take part in the third game of the series. The fast bowler since then has been under the Sri Lanka Cricket’s medical team and is undergoing rehab with the physio. The pacer has been ruled out of the initial games of the IPL 2024

Matheesha Pathirana’s absence from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will come as a big blow, especially with the kind of performances he has been putting up for the last two seasons. His ability to bowl searing yorkers at the death will leave a massive void in the team.

Matheesha Pathirana was the star of CSK in the last edition of the league. The fast bowler had an economy rate of 8.00 between overs 16 and 20, which was the best among bowlers who had bowled at least 90 balls during this phase in IPL 2023. He also picked 18 wickets in the death overs and was the leading wicket-taker during that phase.

Matheesha Pathirana however, is not the only one that CSK will be missing in the league. They will be without the services of Devon Conway, who too will be missing the first few games due to a thumb injury. He has been sidelined till May and it will leave a void for the team at the top.

The reports also claimed that Shivam Dube has been linked to the CSK squad for the IPL 2024. Clouds were hovering over his availability as well as he suffered the injury during the Ranji Trophy. Since then he has been at the NCA but now has been deemed fit and has joined the team after completing his rehab.

It is always good to have depth in the squad – Dwayne Bravo on CSK’s death bowling in the absence of Matheesha Pathirana

During a recent event in Chennai, CSK’s bowling coach Dwayne Bravo opened up about the importance of death bowling. He believes that in the absence of Matheesha Pathirana, experienced India pacer Daryll Mitchell can also step up for the team. He had stated:

“Death bowling is my speciality. 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.

“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.”

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be playing the tournament opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday (22nd March) at the Chepauk Stadium.