Cricketer-turned-commentator Krishnamachari Srikkanth was full of praise for Chennai Super Kings youngster Matheesha Pathirana for his excellent show in Indian Premier League 2023. The 20-year-old has shown excellent form so far in the league for the four-time champions.
The Srilankan pacer is growing strength to strength in the last 12 months playing for his country and franchise leagues around the globe. Pathirana was part of the International duties for Sri Lanka as they played New Zealand in the three-match T20 series. Coming back for New Zealand, he has been impressive for the MS Dhoni-led side.
Former Indian World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth heaped praise on young Pathirana as the second Malinga, stating that he has the ability to execute his plans targeting the right areas, which makes him a threatening bowler in IPL 2023
“This young bowler Pathirana is the second Malinga. He has a unique slinging action, clocks 140-plus consistently, and is very accurate. He also targets the right areas which makes him a dangerous bowler. Very good investment from CSK,” Srikkanth said on Star Sports.
Pathirana had a terrific outing with the ball against Kolkata Knight Riders picking up the important wicket of Andre Russell and conceding only 27 runs from his four overs. Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, also known as ‘Baby Malinga’, made the headlines during the Under-19 World Cup.
He was signed by CSK as a replacement for the injured Adam Milne in 2022 and was retained by the franchise for IPL 2023. Pathirana straightway made an impact for the four-time champions. The youngsters who have been to a few leagues around the world have done well so far in the league stage.
Matheesha Pathirana Has Variations And A Good Pace – MS Dhoni
Earlier speaking to the media after their clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, MS Dhoni hailed the Srilankan youngster for his technical skills and that he has good pace and variations to his bowling, and said that he is an invaluable asset for the side in the end overs.
“He has the skillset. He is very difficult. He has variations and a good pace and it is difficult to score consistently against him. He is bowling the last overs and has been an asset,” Dhoni said after the SRH match.
Chennai Super Kings bowling consultant Eric Simons too praised the young pace bowling sensation Matheesha Pathirana for his terrific bowling performance on the league stage. MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings started the season very well winning five games out of their seven games and comfortably placed at the number one position in the points table.