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The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been a force to be reckoned with in the 17th season of the Indian premier league (IPL). The team appears well-balanced and is playing with the kind of form expected from defending champions. Currently boasting a strong record of four wins in seven matches, CSK’s bowling attack has been a key factor in their success.
Bowling coach Dwayne Bravo, who took over the role from Laxmipathy Balaji in IPL 2023, has brought his vast experience of 161 IPL matches (with 1560 runs and 183 wickets) to bear in mentoring the likes of Matheesha Pathirana and Mustafizur Rahman.
Dwayne Bravo names the Baby GOAT of CSK
Bravo has been particularly impressed with young pacer Pathirana. He recently lavished praise on the pacer and even nicknamed him ‘baby goat,’ a testament to Pathirana’s natural talent and skills. Instead of imposing a rigid coaching style, Bravo seems to be allowing Pathirana’s natural abilities to flourish, recognizing his confidence and potential as a valuable asset for the CSK bowling attack.
“Pathirana is very special. I call him Baby Malinga. I also call him Baby Goat. He is not someone you try to coach because he has a natural ability and skill,” said Bravo.
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IPL journey of the special bowler picked by Bravo
Pathirana, who made his IPL debut for the Chennai Super Kings in 2022, has impressed captain MS Dhoni with his bowling prowess. Despite playing only two matches in his debut season, Pathirana emerged as a force to be reckoned with in IPL 2023, claiming a remarkable 19 wickets in 12 matches.
After recovering from an injury that sidelined him for the initial part of the current season, Pathirana has quickly made an impact, taking 9 wickets in 4 matches with an impressive economy rate of just 7. His ability to consistently bowl accurate yorkers at the death overs has proven to be a major challenge for opposing batters.
