Dhoni 'playing my father’s role’ in cricket: Pathirana

5 May 2024 08:39 am - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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India, May 5 (PTI) - Sri Lanka and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has called MS Dhoni a father figure in his cricketing career, saying the former CSK captain's small advises have given him a lot of confidence. The 21-year-old fast bowler made his IPL debut in 2022, and has since become a vital cog in CSK's pace attack, including their title success last season.

"After my father, in my cricket life, mostly he (Dhoni) is playing my father's role. He always takes care of me, and gives me some advice on what I have to do - similar to my father when I'm in my home," Pathirana said on CSK's Lions up close show on YouTube.

"I think that's enough. He's not telling a lot of things when I'm on the field and off the field. He's just telling me small things, but it makes a lot of difference, and it makes a lot of confidence for me. At the moment, he knows how to maintain the players. Off the field, we don't talk much. If I have to ask something from him, definitely, I'd go to him and ask him."

Pathirana has had a great IPL 2024 season so far, being the team's second-highest wicket-taker after Mustafizur Rahman (14), grabbing 13 wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 7.68, including a four-wicket haul.

As for Dhoni, he has been smashing sixes in the death overs this season for a strike rate of 229.16. Rumours continue to swirl around whether this well be Dhoni's final season in the IPL, but he is yet to make a formal announcement. But inspired by him so much, Pathirana has emotionally requested Dhoni to continue at least for one more season.

"Mahi bhai, if you can play one more season, please play with us - if I'm here (chuckles)," he said.

CSK have had an unstable season this term under new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. In ten matches, CSK have lost five and have won as many games, and are placed fifth on the points table.

Comments - 13

Em Sunday, 05 May 2024 09:13 AM

Sugar daddy

wsw Monday, 06 May 2024 09:35 AM

What exactly are you insinuating, do you even know what "Sugar daddy' means ?

Mohandev Sunday, 05 May 2024 09:27 AM

Looks like this young man is more focused on IPL

Jude Sunday, 05 May 2024 10:19 AM

Money talks !!!

Jude Sunday, 05 May 2024 10:22 AM

It's a shame if Kumar Sangakkara and Rajasthan Royals can't lift the IPL trophy this year!! I want RR to win the IPL Coz KS.

Jude Sunday, 05 May 2024 10:28 AM

Dhoni will play another 2-3 years, all he'd to do is keep wickets and bat for 3-4 balls. That's not hard Dhoni's wicket keeping skills are diminishing Day by Day!! How ever Dhoni happens to be my favorite Indian cricketer. coz very simple guy and Notta showboat like most of other Indian players!!

Fullmina - Delhi Sunday, 05 May 2024 10:53 AM

Dhoni, fully a wk-batsman, great finisher and I haven't seen him balling roadside or anywhere even before he attain age in international cricket.

Citizen2023@yahoo.com Sunday, 05 May 2024 11:27 AM

Of course Dhoni's advice has definitely improved Pathirana's bowling, especially he doesn't bowl many wides now and has improved the accuracy and variety, which is essential in T20 tournaments. However, the advice can from various top cricketers present and past, but everything depends on how you adopt to each game

ANTON Sunday, 05 May 2024 11:27 AM

PUTHA, WHAT ABOUT OUR SRILANKAN LEGENDS, DO THEY PLAY STEP FATHER'S ROLE TO YOU ?

A Sunday, 05 May 2024 01:52 PM

Don't be stupid and critical of his comments. He feels confidance under his guidance. Let him mature . Don't be typical SL and go about slandering him...

Maqs Sunday, 05 May 2024 02:36 PM

But why can't he play well when he plays for SL?????

Fullmina - Delhi Sunday, 05 May 2024 05:05 PM

The Son-Star seems so pleased to have full payment from IPL, most probably without any match fines.

Tissa Fernando Sunday, 05 May 2024 07:51 PM

IPL ensured that Sri Lanka would never defeat India in any international game of Cricket.

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Dhoni 'playing my father’s role’ in cricket: Pathirana

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