Matheesha Pathirana shone in IPL 2023. The Sri Lankan bowler nabbed 19 wickets over 12 games, averaging 19.53. His economy rate, quite respectable at 8.01 in IPL 2023, was a standout since he often bowled in the final overs. CSK’s victory in IPL 2023 had his fingerprints all over it.
Injuries struck Matheesha Pathirana. With IPL 2024 two weeks away, he’s got a Grade 1 hamstring problem in his left leg. It happened in the second T20I against Bangladesh. Now, he’s benched for the third match of series.
It remains to be seen whether Matheesha Pathirana will be fit in time for the IPL 2024. Though he is an important player for CSK in IPL 2024, the franchise will not be concerned about their strike bowler’s condition.
Here are three reasons why CSK should not be concerned if their great bowler Matheesha Pathirana misses a few matches in IPL 2024.
#1. CSK have a pool of experienced and in-form Indian pace bowlers
Though Matheesha Pathirana excels at the death, CSK has a number of veteran bowlers at their disposal. Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur have played both international cricket and IPL.
The pair have enjoyed victories in the compact mode and will be key players for CSK in IPL 2024. Thakur, actually, is the top bowler for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy, boasting 15 wickets in four games with a striking average of 16.93.
Tushar Deshpande has also been in strong bowling form throughout the Ranji Trophy. Deshpande, who took 21 wickets for CSK in the IPL 2023, has 13 wickets in four Ranji Trophy matches.
Though Chahar, Thakur, and Deshpande may not have Pathirana’s death bowling abilities, they are seasoned players who can win games on their own.
#2. CSK find Matheesha Pathirana’s perfect substitute in Mustafizur Rahman
CSK has a number of overseas players at their disposal. One of them is Mustafa Rahman. Rahman might be the ideal alternative for the wounded Matheesha Pathirana.
Rahman has previous IPL experience, having taken 48 wickets in 48 matches at an economy rate of 7.93. He bowls well in the death overs and is difficult for batters to deal with near the conclusion of the innings. Even in T20Is, Rahman is an outstanding bowler, having taken 107 wickets at an average of 23.07 and an impressive economy rate of 7.63.
Rahman has appeared in six IPL seasons, representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Mumbai Indians, and the Delhi Capitals. He is a seasoned combatant in the IPL and might be a valuable addition to skipper MS Dhoni’s squad in IPL 2024.
#3. CSK can play to their strengths on their home ground
CSK’s first two matches, against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans, will be played at their home field, Chepauk Stadium. The pitch at Chepauk Stadium is generally sluggish and low, which helps spin bowlers.
When it comes to spinners, MS Dhoni has lots of options. Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali, Mitchell Santner, and Maahesh Theekshana are some of the CSK’s spinning possibilities in the IPL 2024. Even Rachin Ravindra might be a valuable addition to CSK’s playing XI against Cheepauk.
With the likes of India’s veteran pacers and spinners, CSK is unlikely to miss Pathirana at the start of IPL 2024.
