The star bowler of Chennai Super Kings Matheesha Pathirana has caught the spotlight with his IPL debut in 2022. He was brought into the team to fill in for the injured Adam Milne. Pathirana appreciates CSK, especially MS Dhoni, for giving him the chance to develop as a cricketer.
During a recent episode of ‘Lions Upclose’, he expressed his regard for Dhoni and said that MS Dhoni is his father figure on the cricket field.
Pathirana’s inclusion was instrumental in CSK’s success as they won the IPL title last season. He claimed 19 wickets from 12 matches with an economy rate of 8.01. In the current IPL 2024 season, he has already taken 13 wickets in six matches with an economy of less than eight.
Pathirana highlighted the importance of having Dhoni’s presence, drawing parallels between Dhoni’s guidance and the care he receives from his father at home. He stressed that like his father ensures his welfare at home, Dhoni ensures that Pathirana is mentally prepared and in a conducive environment during the IPL. Additionally, Pathirana mentioned that while Dhoni may not be vocal during matches, he consistently provides invaluable advice and support off the field.
“After my father, in my cricket life, mostly he (Dhoni) is playing my father’s role because he is always taking care of me, giving me advice, what I have to do, similar to my father when I am at home,” Pathirana said on the latest episode of ‘Lions Upclose’.
“He’s not telling a lot of things when I am on the field and off the field. He tells just small things, but it makes a lot of difference. So those little things, I take a lot of confidence (from),” he continued.
