Former India Aakash Chopra has expressed concern over the likely absence of Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
Pathirana, who recently sustained a grade 1 hamstring injury to his left leg during Sri Lanka’s T20I series against Bangladesh, has been deemed doubtful for his availability for CSK at the start of IPL 2024.
Chopra, considering Pathirana as a key bowler for CSK this year, believes that the five-time champions will feel his absence, particularly in the crucial death overs. Since joining CSK in 2022 as a replacement for Adam Milne, the 21-year-old has made significant contributions to the team.
While he had a modest IPL 2022 season with just 2 wickets in 2 appearances, Pathirana made a remarkable breakthrough in the subsequent year. In IPL 2023, he impressed with 19 wickets in 12 appearances, playing a pivotal role in CSK’s journey to their record-equalling 5th IPL trophy.
“Pathirana has gotten injured. There is no clarity on his availability, but will Chennai Super Kings have a problem because of his injury? They could have slight problems because Pathirana is their main death bowler,” Chopra said in his YouTube video.
Chopra acknowledged the presence of other talented bowlers in CSK’s IPL 2024 squad but highlighted the potential loss of Pathirana’s ability to contain runs in the crucial final overs.
“However, they have got Shardul Thakur now and Deepak Chahar was already there. They got Maheesh Theekshana to bowl a lot in the death overs but they could feel Matheesha Pathirana’s absence a little,” Chopra added.
With uncertainty surrounding Pathirana’s return, all eyes will be on how CSK manages their bowling lineup in the upcoming season, particularly in their season opener against arch-rivals Royal Challengers Bangalore.