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Matheesha Pathirana, the young Sri Lankan pacer with a slinging action reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, has taken the cricketing world by storm. His meteoric rise to international cricket is a testament to raw talent, hard work, and the right opportunities. And it’s no secret that the Indian Premier League (IPL) and iconic cricketer, MS Dhoni, have played a pivotal role in his journey.
From U-19 sensation to IPL star
Pathirana first caught the eye during the 2022 U-19 World Cup, where his unique bowling style and knack for picking up wickets made him a standout performer. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) brought him on board as a replacement player of Adam Milne. While his initial stint was brief, it marked the beginning of a fruitful association.
The MS Dhoni effect
The opportunity to share the dressing room with Dhoni proved to be a game-changer for Pathirana. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter’s calm demeanor, tactical acumen, and ability to nurture young talent have been well-documented. Under Dhoni’s mentorship, Pathirana blossomed into a potent force in the IPL.
The youngster has often spoken about the immense confidence Dhoni instilled in him. The former CSK captain’s belief in Pathirana’s abilities gave him the platform to showcase his talent and earn a call-up to the Sri Lankan national team.
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‘Playing for CSK is a gift from God’: Matheesha Pathirana
Ahead of the white-ball series against India, Pathirana expressed his gratitude towards CSK and Dhoni, highlighting how their support was pivotal in his cricketing journey. He mentioned that after his under-19 career, he was not part of any Sri Lankan squads. However, his debut with CSK provided him with significant exposure and opportunities, leading to his selection for Sri Lanka’s main team. Pathirana considers playing for CSK a divine blessing, as it brought him recognition. He also emphasized the special experience of sharing the dressing room with Dhoni, which is invaluable for young cricketers like him, especially those from Sri Lanka.
“After my under-19s, I was not in any squads in Sri Lanka. But since my debut for CSK, I got those chances and got selected for Sri Lanka’s main team. Playing for CSK is a gift from god for me. Until I played for CSK, not many knew me. Sharing the dressing room with Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) is very special for youngsters like me, especially coming from Sri Lanka,” Pathirana said as quoted by Sportstar.
