Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
Last Updated : 2024-04-30 01:14:00
16 April 2024 07:28 pm - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Harsha Amarasinghe
Colombo, April 16 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana delivered another match-winning performance for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday when they defeated Mumbai Indians fairly comfortably.
The right arm quick ended up taking four wickets for 28 runs keeping CSK in the third spot of the points, very much in the running for play-offs.
Pathirana has so far played three games in the IPL 2024 capturing eight wickets and the 21-year-old seems to be flourishing in Chennai colours.
The former Trinity College speedster has done fairly reasonable job when representing the country. However, in certain games he was well below par.
One would wonder how has CSK been able to get the best out of Pathirana far more regularly.
It must be stated that CSK found Pathirana before the national selectors even considered him for Sri Lanka. Chennai probably have a better scouting system through which they had identified Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana.
Pathirana made his Sri Lanka debut after he had a stellar campaign for CSK.
On the other hand, CSK seems to manage their players very well. Pathirana, following his match-winning display claimed that he didn't play the two previous games due "a niggle.'
It is still early stages of the season and hence every single game is crucial, but CSK didn't want to take a chance with Pathirana. Though he didn't play two games, he came back and produced an outstanding performance. However, when he was representing Sri Lanka earlier this year, he probably played too many games when he wasn't fully fit, and hence his performances weren't as consistent as he would have wanted.
Last year MS Dhoni made it very clear that a bowler like Pathirana should be well looked after. In fact he said, Pathirana should stay away from fifty over game, but he was drafted into the World Cup squad out of the blue, and once again his performances were not great.
In MS Dhoni, Matheesha Pathirana found a father figure in Chennai - someone that everyone respects and listens to. He said after the game that he was 'a bit nervous' seeing how Mumbai Indians were thrashing his fellow fast bowlers during the power, but according to Pathirana he could overcome that after Dhoni calmed him down before his spell. He probably doesn't have that in Kusal Mendis or Wanindu Hasaranga.
Pathirana has clearly shown in this IPL that he can consistently bowl at high 140s and deliver those brilliant yorkers. Sri Lanka needs to manage him properly in order to get the best out of what seems to be a once-in-a-generation talent.
Dinruta Tuesday, 16 April 2024 07:47 PM
Mate, Dhoni or anyone can’t get anything from him unless Matheesha himself wants to give 100%. I watched the match. MI were taking all the risks as they were going after a massive total also two of his 4 wickets were due to brilliant fielding.
Drone Wednesday, 17 April 2024 11:57 AM
Disagree. That's why the leaders are for. To get 100% out of their sub ordinates. That's why Matheesha thanked Dhoni, for making him to give 100%.Also, there was only one exceptional catch. Remember, it was a game of professionals
rajiv Tuesday, 16 April 2024 08:02 PM
It all depends on the Captain who can help him while bowling, but in SL side we dont have any one of that nature. Same goes to the Coaching staff. This is the difference between SL x1 vs CSK.
Jameen Sadun Tuesday, 16 April 2024 08:02 PM
Well written article. Thanks for shedding light to the fact. Matheesa is lucky Dhoni is still there, but unfortunately he was too late to be play together with Sanga.
Jude Tuesday, 16 April 2024 09:23 PM
The one and only reason is MS Dhoni. He allows Pathirana to bowl death overs!! Dhoni have absolute faith in the kid, and very rarely he falls.
Jude Tuesday, 16 April 2024 09:27 PM
I've never seen Indian girls going totally crazy for Lankan cricketer before!! South Indian girls say they've a crush for Pathirana, yeah
Bappi Lahiri Tuesday, 16 April 2024 10:06 PM
He should never be called as baby Malinga and I am sure Matheesha neither. Mahela and Malinga are not even considering/able to bring in Nuwan Thushara to MI despite their poor bowlers observed so far. It looks like that these so called past greats have other agendas
Jude Tuesday, 16 April 2024 10:24 PM
Just ask Dhoni, he have utmost confidence in the kid, Pathirana quietly established himself as premier T20 bowler!!
NV Jen Tuesday, 16 April 2024 10:57 PM
The difference is that CSK management and the team members especially the coaches, mentors, and the captains focus on the greater interests of the team. In SLC along with the coaches and current breed of captains, the focus is.......you know what!
Jude Tuesday, 16 April 2024 11:13 PM
My only advice to the kid, don't allow Success get into your head, yeah.
Cricket fan Tuesday, 16 April 2024 11:19 PM
SLC and Selectors pls take notes
Jude Wednesday, 17 April 2024 07:58 AM
Dhoni knows how to make an ordinary fast bowler to an extraordinarily fast bowler!! Just ask Pathirana!!
Inshi Wednesday, 17 April 2024 07:59 AM
Dhoni is a very calm captain. This trait he has shown throughout his career. Fatherly advise is what is required when dealing with young talented players to get the best out of them. Lot can be learned from Dhoni.
FredSnR Wednesday, 17 April 2024 08:06 AM
What applies to Pathirana applies to the country at large, how to manage its talent and its resources better. We tend to overpraise and overcriticize, that can destroy confidence..And we need patriots to lead us at all levels, country before self, should be the guiding principle That way even with the corruption some things will work, like safeguarding a nations sovereignty. .And that same spirit will then flow down and influence in a positive way. In cricket it is called leading from the front, leading by example
Ylg Wednesday, 17 April 2024 12:56 PM
Of all our captain's only Arjuna could get the best out of his players. Maybe Mahela? But in general we have no leadership skills.
Mahila Sunday, 21 April 2024 05:53 AM
What about Kumar Sangakkara as Captain and his Leadership Qualities!!??
Doctor kasun Wednesday, 17 April 2024 09:18 PM
How to stop wild wides from Matheesha when playing for SL? We actually have to extend the wide lines by 6 more feet to get best out of him for SL. No other way. And should keep 3 wicket keepers to save the extras gifted by this ipl hero.
Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.
Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
US authorities are currently reviewing the manifest of every cargo aboard MV
On March 26, a couple arriving from Thailand was arrested with 88 live animal
According to villagers from Naula-Moragolla out of 105 families 80 can afford
Is the situation in Sri Lanka so grim that locals harbour hope that they coul
