Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced a setback as their Sri Lankan pacer, Matheesha Pathirana, has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury, prompting his return home for further recovery, the franchise confirmed on Sunday. Pathirana had been a valuable asset for CSK in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), featuring in six matches and making an impressive impact with 13 wickets at an economy rate of 7.68, including a notable four-wicket haul.
Matheesha Pathirana’s contributions on the field made him the team’s second-highest wicket-taker, following closely behind Mustafizur Rahman, who claimed 14 wickets. With Rahman joining the Bangladesh national team and Deepak Chahar already sidelined due to injury, Pathirana’s absence exacerbates CSK’s bowling concerns.
WATCH – Heinrich Klaasen Frustrated As Fans Mob Him: Chaos Ensues at Shopping Mall
In an official statement released on Sunday, CSK addressed Matheesha Pathirana’s injury and subsequent return to Sri Lanka for recuperation. “Chennai Super Kings pacer Matheesha Pathirana is nursing a hamstring injury and will be returning to Sri Lanka for further recovery. Chennai Super Kings wishes Pathirana a quick recovery,” the statement read.
#CSK‘s injured pacer Matheesha Pathirana is set to return to Sri Lanka for further recovery. pic.twitter.com/rmCTExyYmn
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) May 5, 2024
Earlier, Matheesha Pathirana, along with Maheesh Theekshana, CSK’s two Sri Lankan players, had returned home for visa-related matters ahead of the T20 World Cup. Reports from local media suggested that the Sri Lankan Cricket Board had requested the duo to address their documentation requirements for visa applications related to the USA and the West Indies.
ALSO READ: Mohammed Siraj Overcomes Illness For His Inspirational Performance Against GT
Despite Matheesha Pathirana’s injury concerns, the team management had remained silent on the matter until now. Even during media interactions prior to the clash against Punjab Kings, the team’s bowling coach, Eric Simons, refrained from providing clarity on the availability of the Sri Lankan pacers for the remainder of the tournament.
