The cricketing world is abuzz with excitement as the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 draws near, scheduled to commence on October 5. Among the discussions and speculations, former Indian opener turned analyst Aakash Chopra has made a bold prediction. He believes that Matheesha Pathirana, a young Sri Lankan fast bowler, possesses the potential to emerge as one of the leading wicket-takers in the tournament.
Chopra, known for his insightful cricket analysis, has singled out Matheesha Pathirana as the ‘Joker in the pack’ among the array of talented pacers participating in the World Cup. What sets Pathirana apart is his ability to land the ball in good areas consistently and his impressive array of variations, making him a formidable force in the bowling department.
Despite his limited exposure to international cricket, Matheesha Pathirana has already started making waves. The young bowler, often drawing comparisons to the legendary Lasith Malinga due to his similar bowling action, has scalped 15 wickets in just 10 ODIs at an average of 28.73. This remarkable start to his career positions him as one of the most promising young talents in the cricketing world.
Aakash Chopra highlights that Matheesha Pathirana’s success in the upcoming World Cup is not a mere possibility but a probable outcome. Pathirana’s strong foundation, coupled with his continuous improvement, makes him a prime candidate for achieving greatness as a fast bowler.
Aakash Chopra said, “Pathirana has been steadily improving his performance. We have seen him struggle against India, but against other teams, he has managed to dominate batters with his exciting bowling. He has a variety of deliveries, including yorkers, round-arm bouncers, and good slower ones. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have prepared him well, and now he is making Sri Lankan cricket proud.”
Pathirana’s bowling repertoire boasts an impressive array of deliveries, including deadly yorkers, round-arm bouncers, and crafty slower ones. Chopra credits the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for playing a pivotal role in shaping Pathirana’s skills, further enhancing his potential to excel on the global stage.
Aakash Chopra believes that Matheesha Pathirana could be the wildcard in the Sri Lankan team. This player could spring surprises and become the highest wicket-taker for his nation in the tournament. Pathirana’s knack for bowling in areas conducive to taking wickets positions him as a genuine threat to opposition batters.
