Matheesha Pathirana likely to miss IPL 2024 opener against RCB

In IPL 2023, the CSK pacer Matheesha Pathirana picked up 19 wickets in 12 matches with an economy of 7.96.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a major setback ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), with the news that Sri Lankan pace bowler Matheesha Pathirana is likely to miss the match due to an injury.

The defending champions CSK have already suffered a huge blow as their star opener Devon Conway will miss the first half of the cash-rich league due to a thumb injury.

Adding to their woes, one of their star pacers Matheesha Pathirana, who was effective in the 2023 edition, walked off the field midway through his spell due to some hamstring issue. He sustained the injury while playing the second T20I match against Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Pathirana also struggled with cramps in the previous game, forcing the physio to attend to him. However, he continued bowling in the first T20I match against Bangladesh despite not looking fully fit. The injury worsened in the second match, as he was forced to leave the field without completing his four-over quota.

The Sri Lankan pacer was the lone wicket-taker for his side in the eight-wicket loss against Bangladesh in the second T20I match. The 21-year-old Pathirana was taken for scans as he felt tightness in his hamstring after bowling 3.4 overs.

Will CSK pacer Matheesha Pathirana miss start of IPL 2024?

However, the defending champions CSK can breathe a sigh of relief as their young pacer Matheesha Pathirana’s injury update seems positive. The scans on his hamstring issue seem to be fine and there is no big injury. But, Sri Lanka are reportedly unlikely to risk him in the final T20I against Bangladesh.

The Lankans might also rest him for the upcoming three-match ODI series, which is starting from 13th March. However, the Chennai-based franchise added a new member to the squad, as they recruited Bangladesh’s premier pacer Mustafizur Rahman for Rs 2 crore in the IPL 2024 mini-auction.

It means that if Pathirana is not fit in time for the IPL 2024 opener against RCB, then the defending champions might include the Bangladesh pacer in the playing XI. 

Chennai Super Kings full schedule for IPL 2024

1.Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, 22nd March, Chennai

2. Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans, M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, 26th March, Chennai

3. Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings, ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, March 31, Visakhapatnam

4. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings, Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, 5th April, Hyderabad

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