MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) received a setback as pacer Matheesha Pathirana suffered a hamstring injury just before the upcoming Indian Premier League 2024 season.
The fast bowler suffered a left leg hamstring injury during the second T20I between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Sylhet on Friday, March 6. This incident marked a recurrence of the injury he had initially sustained in the opening game.
This incident happened in the 16th over of Bangladesh’s run chase. Pathirana experienced cramps and was seen holding his left hamstring after delivering the fourth ball of the over—a slower full-length ball to Najmul Hossein Shanto who guided the ball to a single.
The Sri Lanka Cricket Board has officially announced that Pathirana who is also the leading wicket-taker in the three-game T20I series with three wickets in two games, will not be available for the third T20I due to his hamstring injury.
“Matheesha Pathirana will not be available for selection for the 3rd T20I, as the player has sustained a Grade 1 hamstring injury on his left leg. Pathirana suffered the injury while bowling in the 2nd T20i game.”
CSK is optimistic that Pathirana’s injury isn’t severe and remains hopeful for his quick recovery in time for IPL 2024.
Pathirana played a crucial role for the Super Kings in the previous season and finished as the team’s third-highest wicket-taker. The young bowler secured 19 wickets in 12 games with an economy rate of 8, contributing significantly to CSK’s triumph in securing their fifth IPL title.
