Chennai Super Kings’ Matheesha Pathirana praised MS Dhoni’s mentorship, crediting him for guidance on and off the field.
Matheesha Pathirana has been a prominent name in the CSK camp and has been out recently to check his visa formalities for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, Matheesha recently highlighted the invaluable role of his captain, MS Dhoni, in his cricketing development.
In an interview on the show ‘Lions Upclose’, Pathirana expressed his deep respect for Dhoni, whom he considers a father figure. The young bowler spoke about Dhoni’s constant guidance and support, both on and off the field. Pathirana credited Dhoni for helping him improve his bowling skills, particularly in areas like effectiveness and game awareness.
“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, and telling me what I have to do, similar to my father when I am at home. He says just little things, but they make a lot of difference. So those little things, I take a lot of confidence,” said the young pacer of Dhoni.
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He even expressed Dhoni’s contributions to his workload management and physical health during the CSK camp. “Off the field, we don’t talk that much, but if I have to ask something from him, definitely I will go to him and ask. Every time he is telling me, ‘Enjoy your game and take care of your body,” said Pathirana. He even urged the veteran wicketkeeper to play one more season with him: “Mahi bhai, if you can play one more season, please play with us. If I’m here (laughs).”
Roped in by CSK in 2022, Pathirana has been an absolute asset to the yellow camp. In the 2024 season so far, he has played 6 matches and bagged 13 wickets at an economy rate of 7.68. Though the pacer has yet to return to the camp, suggestedly, he might join before Chennai’s next game on May 5th against the Punjab Kings.
Last Updated on May 4, 2024
