Matheesha Pathirana posted on his social media that he might join the CSK camp soon ahead of the PBKS match.
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a setback in their quest for the IPL playoffs after a home defeat against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 1st. The loss was further compounded by the absence of key Sri Lankan bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who missed the match due to visa issues and a minor niggle.
However, the pacer has posted on his social media handle suggesting that he might join the Punjab Kings game on May 5th. The post read, “Not far away from Dharamshala.”
Pathirana, who has emerged as a vital bowler in the Chennai Super Kings’ bowling attack this season, has been their joint-fifth-highest wicket-taker with 13 scalps in just six games. His ability to take wickets in the middle and take death overs was sorely missed by CSK as their bowling attack faltered against PBKS.
In 1st May’s match against PBKS, despite a valiant 62-run knock from captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK could only manage a below-par score of 162 runs. In reply, the Punjab Kings openers, Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw, chased down the target comfortably with 13 balls to spare.
While CSK will have the chance to avenge this defeat in the return fixture at Dharamsala, they will be without other key players like pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who has returned home for national duty and T20 World Cup preparations, and Deepak Chahar, who has been reported injured by the team.
With the IPL season entering its crucial final stages, every match becomes vital in the race for the playoffs. CSK currently sits with 10 points and at the 5th position on the table. A win for the home side in Dharamshala could significantly spark CSK’s playoff aspirations.
Last Updated on May 4, 2024
