IPL 2024: 'MS Dhoni plays a father's role in my cricket life,' Matheesha Pathirana's huge praise for CSK legend

Matheesha Pathirana has picked 13 wickets in the IPL 2024 till now.

Sri Lanka and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) right-arm speedster Matheesha Pathirana has shown immense gratitude to none other than legendary cricketer MS Dhoni. Pathirana said that Dhoni is a father figure for him in his cricketing life.

Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) winning player and former Indian skipper Dhoni is regarded as one of the legendary icons in the cricketing world. Many players across the globe follow the wicket-keeper batter’s advice. Dhoni has nurtured many talents in Indian cricket, overseas player and also in the IPL and Pathirana is one among them.

Dhoni was the first player to spot the immense talent of Sri Lanka’s pacer Pathirana. The 21-year-old was roped in by the CSK franchise in the IPL 2022 as a player replacement for injured Adam Milne. During that season, he just played two matches and picked two wickets. The youngster also made his debut for his national side in 2022. 

In IPL 2023, the right-arm fast bowler had a breakthrough season with the ball as he scalped 19 wickets and was one of the important players in helping then-Dhoni-led CSK to their record-equaling five IPL title win.

MS Dhoni takes care of me: Matheesha Pathirana on CSK legend

In a latest interaction with CSK on their official YouTube handle, the Sri Lankan pacer heaped huge praise on the legendary cricketer Dhoni for helping him grow in his cricket career. Pathirana labelled him as a father figure in his cricketing life, and he added that Dhoni always’ takes care of him.

“After my father, in my cricket life, he (Dhoni) plays my father’s role. He takes care of me, and he gives me advice on what I have to do, similar to my father’s thing when I’m at my home. I think that’s enough,” said Pathirana.

“He doesn’t tell me a lot of things when I’m on the field and off the field, but he tells just small things that make a lot of difference and gives me a lot of confidence. He knows how to maintain the players. Off the field, we don’t talk much, but if I have to ask something from him, definitely I’d go to him and ask him,” Pathirana said further.

How has Matheesha Pathirana performed in the IPL 2024 for CSK?

Despite facing injuries in the ongoing IPL 2024 season, Pathirana is the second-highest wicket-taker after Mustafizur Rahman for the defending champions. The 21-year-old has taken 13 scalps in just six matches he has played at an economy rate of 7.68. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket for IPL 2024 Live Score & IPL Points Table,  on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.