"Playing for CSK is a gift from god for me" - Matheesha Pathirana thankful to IPL franchise for career-defining opportunities
Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana thanked the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for providing opportunities at the infant stage of his career, accelerating his selection to the national side. The 21-year-old has been part of the CSK setup since 2022 and came into prominence during their title run in 2023.
Pathirana became skipper MS Dhoni's go-to bowler in IPL 2023, finishing with 19 wickets at an average of under 20 and an economy of 8.01 in 12 outings. While he debuted for Sri Lanka in T20Is in late 2022, Pathirana has become a regular in their white-ball squads since last year.
Speaking to Sportstar ahead of the India-Sri Lanka white-ball series, Pathirana expressed his gratitude towards CSK for making him a household name.
"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.
Pathirana also enjoyed incredible success in IPL 2024 despite CSK missing the playoffs, picking up 13 scalps in six games.
Touted as Lasith Malinga's heir apparent, his international career has thus far been marred by inconsistencies. Pathirana has picked up 31 wickets in 21 white-ball matches for Sri Lanka.
"If we can win this series, it will be a confidence booster for the next three years" - Matheesha Pathirana
Matheesha Pathirana feels winning the upcoming home series against India could be crucial for Sri Lanka in the next three years. The Lankans host their Asian neighbors for three ODIs and as many T20Is from July 27 to August 7.
While India are coming off an unbeaten title run in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka failed to qualify for the Super Eights.
"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 never played a T20I against India and has featured in only two ODIs against the Asian giants.
The white-ball series between the two Asian rivals begins with the first T20I at Pallekele on Saturday, July 27.