Sri Lanka Youngster Matheesha Pathirana praised legendary cricketer MS Dhoni and CSK for transforming his career. Pathirana, featured in a few T20Is, will resume his national duties starting July 27.
Pathirana is part of the Sri Lanka T20I squad which is set to face a young Indian team at home soil. Ahead of the series start, the fast bowler reflected on his young career and revealed how CSK and MS Dhoni played a big role in changing his career.
The 21-year-old right-handed seamer made his IPL debut in the 2022 season and scaled two wickets from two games. He made his international debut the same year during the match against Afghanistan. He had an impressive run in the 2023 season picking 19 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 19.53. He further picked 13 wickets in six matches in the 2024 season with an average of 13.
Speaking about his rise in international cricket, Pathirana thanked CSK saying playing for the IPL team has created chances for his national selection as people began recognizing him. He further said Playing for CSK is ‘a gift from God.’
“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,” said Pathirana.
He added that the upcoming T20I series will be a good challenge to face world champions India. “I think it will be a good challenge. India is coming with a new coach and some new players; their combination will be slightly different. But it will be a good challenge for us because they are world champions.”
“We have a very good side and a lot of talent and potential. Unfortunately, we didn’t do well in the T20 World Cup. But if we can win this series, it will be a confidence booster for the next three years,” said Pathirana. Pathirana has played 9 T20Is so far taking 14 wickets at an average of 17.07. In 12 ODIs, he picked 17 wickets at an average of 36.23.
Coming to the tour, both India and Sri Lanka are preparing for a fresh start as they are set to play a three-match T20I series starting on July 27. The ODI leg of the tour will start on August 02 after the completion of the T20Is.
