The wicketkeeper-batsman of Mumbai Indians Ishan Kishan has said that his team will watch videos of Chennai Super Kings fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana to analyze his bowling style. However, he also emphasized that their attention cannot solely be on Pathirana and they must focus on the whole CSK team.
Pathirana is generating a lot of buzz due to his unconventional bowling action, the same as the former Sri Lankan star Lasith Malinga. Pathirana’s accuracy and game sense has impressed everyone. He has played in six matches during the IPL 2023 season, taking seven wickets at an average of 27.57 and an economy rate of 8.27.
Before the match between CSK and MI at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Ishan Kishan talked about the challenge in playing Matheesha Pathirana.
During the pre-match press conference, Ishan Kishan said,”I think there are so many technologies now, there are so many videos coming up, we will definitely watch his video about what he’s trying to do with the new ball. Also, we can’t just focus on one bowler.”
He further added,”At the same time, we can’t give him so much respect, if he is bowling well, we have to give him respect. But we need to have a positive mindset, that is if he misses it, we are going to go after you. That will be the mindset.”
Kishan said that their batters have already faced Malinga in the nets and it would give them an idea to tackle Pathirana.
“Yes, we played Malinga in the nets also when he was with MI, so that gives us a lot of confidence. He was a legendary bowler. We practiced well when he was bowling.” Kishan added, “We will just look to watch the ball and play our own game, it doesn’t matter how he bowls, we don’t want to think about what his strength is, we will focus on our mindset and think how we can score runs of his bowling.”
