Matheesha Pathirana's manager Amila Kalugalage has confirmed that the Sri Lankan pacer has recovered from the injury, is fit and is available to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Pathirana suffered a hamstring injury during the second T20I of the three-match series against Bangladesh and had to miss initial matches for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) including the season opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday at Chennai.
However, in a recent development, Pathirana’s manager Amila Kalugalage gave an update on his availability and said that he is fit and ready to bowl.
“The answer to where's Pathirana, he is fit and ready to throw thunder balls. Be ready,” Kalugalage wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Pathirana was the highest wicket-taker for the franchise in the previous IPL season with 19 wickets in 12 matches with an impressive economy of 8.90. However, there is no confirmation from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) yet. If given clearance by SLC, Pathirana might feature in CSK’s upcoming games in the IPL 2024.
Matheesha Pathirana is likely to play against Gujarat Titans
Matheesha Pathirana won't be available for Chennai Super Kings' opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore as he hasn't joined the squad yet. However, the Sri Lanka youngster is likely to be available for selection for the second match against Gujarat Titans on March 26.
In the absence of Pathirana, CSK is likely to go with the pace bowling combination of Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur and Tushar Despande for the season opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The return of Matheesha Pathirana might see either of the bowlers being dropped for the match against Gujarat Titans.
Matheesha Pathirana is one of the reliable bowlers at the death, who can restrict flow of runs of opposition team.
