IPL: Who is Adam Milne's replacement Matheesha Pathirana at CSK?
Sri Lanka's Matheesha Pathirana has replaced Kiwi quick Adam Milne in the Chennai Super Kings squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season. The latter has been ruled out of the tournament post a hamstring injury sustained against KKR on March 26. Milne hasn't played since then. Pathirana has been roped in by CSK at a price of Rs. 20 lakh. Here's more.
Why does this story matter?
Often named the next Lasith Malinga, Pathirana, is a burgeoning talent in Sri Lankan cricket. A slingy bowling action, Pathirana can render toe-crushing yorkers at will. The 19-year-old has represented Sri Lanka in two U-19 World Cups (2020, 2022). CSK's bowling woes have bit them this season, Under current circumstances, Pathirana could be a major plus for the defending champions for their remaining campaign.
Chennai Super Kings announce Pathirana's induction to their squad
Pathirana shone as a 17-year-old on his college debut
Pathirana has been with the Super Kings since 2020
Pathirana claimed seven wickets in four matches in this year's U-19 World Cup. He averaged 27.28 (economy 6.16). Interestingly, Pathirana has been a reserve bowler for CSK since 2020. However, it was only after Deepak Chahar's back-injury midway this season that the Lankan was drafted by the defending champions. He has played against his CSK colleague and countryman Maheesh Theekshana in domestic T20s.
A look at Pathirana's domestic career
Pathirana has only one List A match to show. Playing for Nondescripts Cricket Club, Pathirana garnered figures of 0/41 against Negombo Cricket Club in the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament (2021). Meanwhile, he has two scalps from two T20s at 16.50. As a member of SLC Greys, Pathirana noted figures of 2/28 against SLC Reds in the SLC Invitational T20 League, 2021.
A look at CSK's performance in IPL 2022
The four-time winners haven't had a memorable run so far. They have mustered just two wins from seven matches. At present, CSK are seated ninth with four points and an NRR of -0.534. Their only wins so far have been over RCB and MI by 23 runs and three wickets respectively. Chennai Super Kings will next face Punjab Kings on April 25 (Monday).
