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How has Sri Lanka destroyed Matheesha Pathirana?
Having played in the most competitive franchise cricket league in the world - the Indian Premier League (IPL) even before his debut for Sri Lanka national team, Matheesha Pathirana was primed to be the next big thing in Sri Lankan pace bowling history, but fast forward two years he finds himself in a situation where he'd be incredibly lucky to be included in the squad for TWO World Cup.
Pathirana who wasn't regularly featured for Sri Lanka in the last few months, made a comeback in the tour to Zimbabwe but the paceman could barely hit the same levels in his only appearance of the Asia Cup. He looks totally different to the bowler he once was.
So, from the teenager who rattled the best batsmen of the world in the shortest format, how has the slinger gone on to become very less impactful bowler?
When analysing Pathirana, it's really important to have a look at what really did work for him initially when he was discovered by one of games greatest captains in MS Dhoni.
It had been reported that Dhoni was the one to push the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) scouts to have a good look at Pathirana before eventually signing him as a replacement.
Under MS Dhoni, Pathirana still did bowl a fair number of wide deliveries but CSK were able to make best of his talent making him a match-winner. At CSK Pathirana's role was very simple; he'd consistently try to hit the yorkers and occasionally surprising the batsmen with quick short ball. MS Dhoni would continuosly guide him on yorkers and wide yorkers which very bowled at really good pace and that was enough for him to be successful at that level.
However, since joining the national camp, it's clear seen that he has been trying all sorts. It appears that the fast bowling coaches have made an attempt to work on a slower ball but it hasn't really worked out for Pathirana as batters seem to easily pick it.
In one of the recent games Pathirana was seen taking the new ball and trying to swing the ball which is slightly difficult given his action, but not impossible. Lasith Malinga who is easily the most successful T20 bowler Sri Lanka has ever produced was able to swing the ball beautifully but Pathirana bowls with a more slingy action. Whenever he plays for CSK though he'd always start his spell after tenth over when the field is spread and CSK has barely tried to make him take the new ball.
At this moment the former Trinity bowler looks like someone who has been given way too many instructions and Sri Lanka needs to simplify his game in order to get the best out of him.
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