IPL 2024: Matheesha Pathirana all but ruled out MI vs CSK clash

Matheesha Pathirana has played only two matches in the ongoing IPL 2024 so far.

Defending Champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a huge blow ahead of the clash against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on April 14. Super Kings’ star pacer Matheesha Pathirana might miss the ‘EL Classico’ of the IPL due to injury.

Earlier, the 21-year-old Pathirana sustained a hamstring injury during the second T20I against Bangladesh in Sylhet in March. Later on, it was understood that the star pacer sustained “a Grade 1 hamstring injury on his left leg.” The injury also ruled him out of the remaining series, and the CSK speedster also missed the initial games of the IPL 2024 edition.

However, on March 23rd, Pathirana flew to India and joined the CSK camp after missing the opening fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The ‘Baby Malinga’ then played CSK’s next two matches against the Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans.

However, after playing two games, Pathirana was then ruled of the Sunrisers Hyderabad match due to an unknown niggle. The development was confirmed by Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad at the toss in Hyderabad on April 5.

However, the nature and severity of this new injury weren’t disclosed by the CSK franchise. The 21-year-old pacer then missed the match against Kolkata Knight Riders.

If not tomorrow, then very close: CSK coach Stephen Fleming on Pathirana injury

Ahead of the high-voltage encounter against five-time champions MI, CSK coach Stephen Fleming provided an update on Pathirana’s availability for their next match against Mumbai.

“It was not as bad as what we had thought, so we are very hopeful that if not tomorrow, then very close. We know the importance of him in games like this, but we will make sure he is 100 per cent in this form,” Fleming said during the pre-match conference on April 13.

It is to be noted that, CSK management hasn’t revealed about the Pathirana injury till now. Pathirana has picked up four wickets in his two outings in the IPL 2024 so far.

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