Matheesha Pathirana, IPL: Sri Lanka has produced so many talented cricketers years after years. Though they are now far away from their glory days, they have some serious talents to watch on file. Matheesha Pathirana is one of the talented Lankans on the cricket pitch. His bowling action remains of Lasith Malinga, a Sri Lankan cricket legend.
Pathirana’s bowling action like Lasith has helped him to earn the nickname ‘Baby Malinga’. His debut season in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) forced cricket fans to pay attention to him. Pathirana’s ability to bowl pinpoint Yorkers with over 140+ km/h . proved difficult for batsmen to handle. The right-handed fast bowler has yet to learn a lot. His bowling stats for his national side are not attractive like his bowling action. It is not sure CSK will retain him or not.
If CSK is not eager to retain Pathirana, then should Mumbai Indians go for him in the upcoming mega auction? The Mumbai Indians have made some changes in their coaching team. Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardane joins the Mumbai base franchise as their head coach. Lasith Malinga will help Jayawardane as bowling coach.
If Pathirana decides to catch the flight to the city of dreams, then he can get the coaching and mentorship from his countrymen. Malinga can be the best mentor for the young talent. ‘Round arm’ is not an ideal bowling action for all bowlers; Malinga masters the technique. His bullet like Yorkers was no less than nightmares for batters. Pathirana, who has latent skills and potential, needs someone who can guide him to the top of the highest point of his career.
Pathirana made his debut for CSK during the 2022 IPL season, and his performances since then have been impressive, especially in the 2023 season. He played a significant role in CSK’s fifth IPL title win in 2023. Pathirana has taken 22 IPL wickets out of 15 matches, with a 7.91 economy rate, which is quite good in comparison to the IPL standard. His best bowling figure is 3/15.