Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh feels that Chennai Super Kings’ young bowling sensation Matheesha Pathirana has been utilised properly by CSK in this edition of the Indian Premier League. The right-arm pacer has impressed everyone with his pace and ability to bowl in the death overs.
The Sri Lanka youngster has been a breakout star for the four-time champion in the cash-rich league. The 20-year-old has shown excellent form so far in the league for the four-time champions. In nine IPL 2023 matches so far, he has claimed 13 wickets at an average of 20.61 and an economy rate of 7.80 most importantly bowling the tough death overs against renowned finishers in the world of cricket.
Former CSK Spinner Harbhajan Singh hailed young Matheesha Pathirana for stopping the run flow in the death overs, as his unorthodox bowling makes it difficult for the batters to pick him up, and credited CSK bowling Dwayne Bravo for his influence on youngsters who performing the CSK veteran’s role in the team.
“Pathirana has been utilized brilliantly by MS Dhoni. He chokes the flow of runs from his end. It is very difficult to pick up a bowler with his unique action. CSK bowling coach Dwyane Bravo has guided him well and the youngster is performing Bravo’s role for CSK,” Harbhajan Singh said.
The Sri Lankan pacer has grown strength to strength in the last 12 months playing for his country and franchise leagues around the globe. Sri Lanka fast bowler Pathirana also known as ‘Baby Malinga’, made the headlines during the Under-19 World Cup.
We Will Soon See India Cap On His Head – Harbhajan Singh On Rinku Singh
Cricketer turned commentator Harbhajan Singh believes that Rinku Singh has overtaken West Indies hard-hitting all-rounder Andre Russel as the X-factor player in KKR, with his ability to finish the game for the side and reckons he showed his capability to bat up the order for the two-time champions and believes that he will represent the country in the highest level very soon.
“Now Rinku has become the X-factor for KKR, not Russell. Russell’s era is gone. It’s Rinku’s time now. Even if Rinku is sent up, he can do justice to his role. He is a player of different caliber and we will soon see India cap on his head,” Harbhajan Singh added.
Rinku Singh has been serving them as the finisher of the team, winning the games single-handedly for his side in IPL 2023 by producing some dramatic last-ball finishes for the two-time champions. Rinku has scored 407 runs for KKR this season, with an average of 50.88 at a good strike rate of 143.30 has held his nerves to chase down the total in important games.