CSK's Bowling Attack Depleted as Pathirana Departs with Hamstring Injury

CSK’s Bowling Attack Depleted as Pathirana Departs with Hamstring Injury

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a major setback with the departure of their star pacer Matheesha Pathirana due to a hamstring injury. The Sri Lankan speedster has been a key performer for CSK this season, taking 13 wickets in six matches with an impressive economy rate of 7.68.

Pathirana’s absence is a significant blow to CSK’s bowling attack, which has already been depleted by the injuries to Deepak Chahar and Maheesh Theekshana. Chahar, a pace-bowling all-rounder, is expected to miss the remainder of the IPL after sustaining a niggle during the match against Punjab Kings. Theekshana, a Sri Lankan spinner, is also set to miss a few more matches as he returns to Sri Lanka to complete his USA visa process ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Americas.

Pathirana’s last game for CSK was during their 78-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he bowled two overs and dismissed Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen. He missed the match against Punjab Kings in Chennai on May 1, with England pacer Richard Gleeson stepping in as his replacement.

In a heartfelt message on social media, Pathirana expressed his gratitude to the CSK team and his teammates. “A hard goodbye with my only wish to see the 2024 IPL champion trophy in CSK’s room soon! Grateful to the CSK team for all the blessings and love from Chennai,” he wrote.

CSK’s bowling options have been severely weakened by the injuries to Pathirana, Chahar, and Theekshana. The team will need to find replacements quickly to maintain their competitiveness in the tournament.

CSK's Death-Bowling Woes Mount as Pathirana Returns Home with Hamstring Injury

CSK’s Death-Bowling Woes Mount as Pathirana Returns Home with Hamstring Injury

Chennai Super Kings’ Death-Bowling Woes Mount as Matheesha Pathirana Returns Home with Hamstring Injury

Chennai Super Kings have been dealt a major blow with the news that their death-bowling specialist, Matheesha Pathirana, has returned to Sri Lanka to recover from a hamstring injury. The Sri Lankan pacer has been a key cog in CSK’s bowling attack, and his absence will be a significant setback for the team.

Pathirana missed CSK’s home fixture against Punjab Kings in Chennai and was also ruled out of the reverse fixture in Dharamsala on Sunday. His absence further depletes CSK’s bowling resources, which were already stretched thin due to the absence of Deepak Chahar, their powerplay specialist.

Chahar, who has been struggling with a quadriceps injury, did not travel to Dharamsala and is awaiting the results of his scan reports in Chennai. His absence has left CSK without two of their most experienced and reliable bowlers.

Pathirana, who made his IPL debut for CSK in 2024, has played only six games for the franchise, but he has made a significant impact with his ability to bowl at high speeds and generate swing. In those six games, he has taken 13 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 7.68.

His absence will put additional pressure on CSK’s other bowlers, including Mukesh Choudhary, Simarjeet Singh, and Dwayne Bravo. The team will need to find a way to compensate for the loss of Pathirana’s death-bowling prowess if they want to maintain their position in the top four of the IPL standings.

MS Dhoni's Mentorship Transforms Sri Lankan Pacer Matheesha Pathirana into IPL Star

MS Dhoni’s Mentorship Transforms Sri Lankan Pacer Matheesha Pathirana into IPL Star

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer and former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain, has a reputation for nurturing young talent and transforming them into exceptional performers. Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is the latest beneficiary of Dhoni’s mentorship, experiencing a meteoric rise in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

Pathirana, known for his slingy action reminiscent of Sri Lankan fast-bowling legend Lasith Malinga, has emerged as one of the most potent bowlers in the IPL. With 13 wickets in just six matches, he currently ranks fifth among the tournament’s top wicket-takers. His impressive performance in the 2023 season, where he finished among the top 10 bowlers, further underscores his talent.

Pathirana attributes his success to the unwavering confidence Dhoni has placed in him. Despite handing over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of the 2024 season, Dhoni continues to play a pivotal role in Pathirana’s development.

“After my father, in my cricket life, mostly he (Dhoni) is playing my father’s role because he is always taking care of me, giving me advice, what I have to do, similar to my father when I am at home,” Pathirana said in a recent episode of ‘Lions Upclose’.

Dhoni’s guidance extends beyond technical aspects of bowling. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the game and maintaining physical fitness. “He’s not telling a lot of things when I am on the field and off the field. He tells just small things, but it makes a lot of difference. So those little things, I take a lot of confidence (from),” Pathirana explained.

Off the field, Dhoni remains a trusted confidant for Pathirana. “If I have to ask something from him, definitely I would go to him and ask. Every time he is telling me ‘enjoy your game and take care of your body’,” Pathirana said.

The Sri Lankan pacer, who hails from Trinity College in Kandy, expressed his heartfelt desire to see Dhoni continue playing for CSK. “Mahi bhai, if you can play one more season, please play with us. If I’m here (laughs),” Pathirana said.

Pathirana’s rapid ascent under Dhoni’s mentorship is a testament to the former Indian captain’s ability to identify and nurture young talent. As CSK continues its quest for a fifth IPL title, Pathirana is poised to play a pivotal role, inspired by the unwavering support and guidance of his cricketing mentor.

CSK's Bowling Woes Deepen as Injuries and Departures Disrupt Balance

CSK’s Bowling Woes Deepen as Injuries and Departures Disrupt Balance

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) bowling woes have intensified as they navigate the crucial phase of IPL 2024. Head coach Stephen Fleming expressed concern over the team’s depleted bowling stocks, which have disrupted their balance.

Deepak Chahar, a key pacer, suffered an injury during Wednesday’s match against Punjab Kings, casting doubt over his availability. Matheesha Pathirana and Tushar Deshpande are also sidelined with niggles, leaving CSK short-handed.

Fleming acknowledged the severity of Chahar’s injury, stating that initial assessments were not promising. The Sri Lankan duo of Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana will depart for visa work ahead of the T20 World Cup, but CSK hopes to have them back for the return fixture against PBKS.

Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL stint has concluded, and he will join the Bangladesh squad for their home T20I series against Zimbabwe. Tushar Deshpande is battling flu, further depleting CSK’s bowling options.

Richard Gleeson, on his IPL debut, impressed with his new-ball swing, but CSK lacks a specialist overseas seamer beyond him and Pathirana. Former New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan suggested that Mitchell Santner could be an option for CSK against PBKS.

Indian bowling options include Mukesh Choudhary, Simarjeet Singh, and Prashant Solanki, but they lack recent competitive experience. CSK also reshuffled their batting line-up, with Daryl Mitchell dropping down the order to accommodate Sameer Rizvi as Impact Player. However, Rizvi struggled to make an impact.

Fleming explained the tactical reasons behind the batting changes, but admitted that they failed to break up the opposition spinners. CSK’s bowling woes and tactical challenges have hindered their progress in the tournament, and they face an uphill battle to regain their balance and momentum.

CSK Outgun MI Despite Rohit Sharma's Century

CSK Outgun MI Despite Rohit Sharma’s Century

In a thrilling encounter at the Wankhede Stadium, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged victorious over the Mumbai Indians (MI) by 20 runs, extinguishing Rohit Sharma’s century-scoring effort.

CSK’s batting prowess was on full display as Shivam Dube and Ruturaj Gaikwad laid the foundation with impressive fifties. Dube remained unbeaten on 66, while Gaikwad contributed 69 runs off just 40 deliveries.

The highlight of CSK’s innings came in the final over, where MS Dhoni unleashed his vintage power-hitting. Dhoni smashed three consecutive sixes off Hardik Pandya, propelling CSK to a formidable total of 206 for four.

In response, Rohit Sharma played a lone hand for MI, scoring an unbeaten 105 runs off 63 balls. However, his valiant effort lacked support from his teammates. Matheesha Pathirana emerged as the star performer for CSK, claiming four wickets for 28 runs.

Pathirana’s double-wicket over in the powerplay, dismissing Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, proved crucial. Shardul Thakur and Tushar Deshpande also played key roles, bowling two tight overs that stifled MI’s chase.

Despite Rohit’s century, MI fell short of the target, finishing on 186 for six. The victory marked CSK’s first away win of the season and lifted them to third place in the standings. MI, on the other hand, suffered their fourth defeat in six matches, remaining in eighth position.

CSK Defies Odds, Defends Low Total to Beat MI by 20 Runs

CSK Defies Odds, Defends Low Total to Beat MI by 20 Runs

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pulled off a stunning 20-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium, defying expectations and successfully defending a modest total of 206.

CSK’s innings was propelled by a late surge from Shivam Dube, who smashed an unbeaten 64 off 38 deliveries. MS Dhoni then provided a final flourish with a 20-run cameo off the last four balls. However, it was the team’s disciplined bowling that ultimately sealed the victory.

Mumbai’s chase began promisingly, with Rohit Sharma anchoring the innings with a century. However, Matheesha Pathirana’s introduction turned the tide. The Sri Lankan pacer claimed two wickets in his first over, including the crucial dismissal of Ishan Kishan.

As the required run rate climbed, Mumbai’s batters struggled to keep up. Pathirana continued to impress, executing his plans to perfection and restricting the opposition to the larger boundaries. Despite Sharma’s late flurry, Mumbai fell short by 20 runs.

CSK’s victory was a testament to their resilience and adaptability. Despite facing a formidable opponent on their home ground, they managed to control the game through disciplined bowling and smart fielding.

CSK's Pathirana Doubtful for MI Clash, Fleming Praises Gaikwad

CSK’s Pathirana Doubtful for MI Clash, Fleming Praises Gaikwad

Ahead of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), CSK head coach Stephen Fleming hinted that pacer Matheesha Pathirana could miss the game due to a minor injury.

Pathirana, who has been a key performer for CSK, has missed the team’s previous two matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Fleming expressed optimism that Pathirana may be available for the MI game, but emphasized that the team would not rush him back if he is not fully fit.

“It (Pathirana’s niggle) was not as bad as what we had thought, so we are very hopeful that if not tomorrow, then very close,” Fleming said at a pre-match press conference. “We know the importance of him in games like this, but we will make sure he is 100 per cent in this form.”

Fleming also praised CSK’s new captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who he believes possesses similar qualities to former skipper MS Dhoni. “There is no difference (between Gaikwad and Dhoni). He is as cool as it gets,” Fleming said. “He is cut from the same cloth, so that is rubbed through.”

Fleming dismissed concerns about Gaikwad’s “slow” strike rate, arguing that it needs to be put into context. “He is such an impressive young man around his game and what he needs to do,” Fleming said. “He has been, I think, unfairly put into a bracket where he has been called slow. But you have to have context to some of these stats.”

Fleming acknowledged that batting has evolved significantly in the IPL, but stressed the need for measures to help bowlers. “The two bouncers (rule) is one, and maybe we need to keep looking at other ways to do that,” he said.

The CSK-MI rivalry is one of the most intense in the IPL, with both teams having won five titles each. Fleming expressed his excitement for the upcoming match. “We love it. We look forward to this fixture,” he said. “Over the years it has developed into a really competitive rivalry, and it is based on two good teams playing successful brands of cricket.”

Pathirana's Gesture Towards Dhoni Clarified, CSK Triumphs Over GT

Pathirana’s Gesture Towards Dhoni Clarified, CSK Triumphs Over GT

Chennai Super Kings’ Matheesha Pathirana Clarifies Gesture Towards MS Dhoni

During the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT), a video clip emerged on social media suggesting that Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana had touched the feet of former CSK captain MS Dhoni. However, a subsequent video from a different angle has shed light on the actual incident.

The side angle footage reveals that Pathirana did not touch Dhoni’s feet but instead bent down to pick up the bowling marker, which was placed near Dhoni’s feet. The initial video, which had gone viral, had sparked speculation that Pathirana was seeking blessings from Dhoni.

Meanwhile, CSK registered a comprehensive 63-run victory over GT at the Chepauk fortress. Deepak Chahar provided a strong start for CSK, dismissing Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill in the powerplay. GT never threatened to chase down the target in the final six overs, as CSK inflicted GT’s biggest defeat in terms of runs.

Earlier, CSK got off to a flying start with the bat, despite losing Rachin Ravindra’s wicket in the final over of the powerplay. Ravindra amassed 46 off just 20 deliveries, while skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad provided support. Shivam Dube and Daryl Mitchell also contributed with valuable knocks, helping CSK post a total of 206/6.

Ashwin Raises Concerns Over Pathirana's Bowling Action

Ashwin Raises Concerns Over Pathirana’s Bowling Action

Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian spin maestro, has expressed concerns over the bowling action of Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, highlighting the potential risks to his physical well-being.

Pathirana, who impressed for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their title-winning IPL campaign last year, has drawn comparisons to Lasith Malinga due to his slingy action. However, Ashwin believes that Pathirana’s lower angle of release puts excessive strain on his back and front leg.

“His angle of release is much lower, which puts immense strain on his back,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “His front leg literally collapses when he releases the ball; the core gets worked up too much, and it is very strenuous.”

In contrast, Ashwin praised Malinga’s side-on action, which he described as “beautiful” and less taxing on the body. “Lasith Malinga goes for a beautiful side-on position. His back and feet will be parallel to the crease,” Ashwin explained.

Ashwin also noted that Pathirana’s action is causing him to get into “dangerous positions and complications.” He added, “I understand the complexity of facing him is different, but he is facing different problems now. This might be just his early stages, and his body needs to fill up more, but he is getting into some dangerous positions and complications.”

Pathirana’s fitness is currently a concern after he suffered a hamstring injury during the second T20I against Bangladesh. His participation in the upcoming IPL season, which begins on March 22, remains uncertain.

Ashwin’s analysis highlights the importance of proper bowling technique to prevent injuries and ensure longevity in the sport. Pathirana’s unique action may give him an advantage on the field, but it also raises questions about its long-term sustainability.

Sri Lanka's Pathirana Ruled Out of Final T20I with Hamstring Injury

Sri Lanka’s Pathirana Ruled Out of Final T20I with Hamstring Injury

Sri Lanka’s express pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the third and final T20I against Bangladesh on Saturday due to a grade one hamstring injury. The setback comes as a blow to the Sri Lankan team, who are looking to clinch the series after the teams shared the first two matches.

Pathirana, known for his lightning-fast deliveries, sustained the injury during the second T20I on Thursday. He was seen clutching his left hamstring while attempting to complete his fourth over, forcing Angelo Mathews to bowl the final two deliveries.

The 19-year-old has been a key figure for Sri Lanka in the series, showcasing his raw pace and ability to generate steep bounce. In the first T20I, he conceded 56 runs in four overs, but bounced back in the second match with figures of 2 for 28 from 3.4 overs.

Sri Lanka’s team management will now have to find a suitable replacement for Pathirana in the final match. Nuwan Thushara, who also bowls with a round-arm action, is the closest like-for-like option in the squad, although he lacks the same blistering pace. Other seamers in contention include left-armers Binura Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.

The injury to Pathirana is a concern for Sri Lanka, especially considering his importance to the team’s plans for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). Pathirana is the designated death bowler for Chennai Super Kings, who begin their IPL campaign on March 22.

With the series tied 1-1, the third T20I in Sylhet on Saturday promises to be a thrilling encounter. Sri Lanka will be eager to secure a series victory, while Bangladesh will be determined to end the series on a high.

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