IPL 2025: Matheesha Pathirana ruled out of CSK vs RCB clash on March 28

Matheesha Pathirana also missed CSK’s opening clash against MI.

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a major setback with their overseas star Matheesha Pathirana getting ruled out of their second Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scheduled to be played on Friday, March 28 in Chennai.

The Sri Lankan star was retained by CSK for INR 13 crores ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction after claiming 13 wickets in six matches during IPL 2024. The 22-year-old has made a name for himself around the globe with his slingy action and pinpoint yorkers.

CSK vs RCB has become one of the biggest IPL fixtures. The rivalry gained further popularity after RCB’s historic 27-run win against CSK in IPL 2024 to secure their spot in the playoffs.

The upcoming match will feature CSK’s potent spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Noor Ahmad against two of the best players of spin – Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar.

Ahead of the fixture, Chennai coach Stephen Fleming has confirmed that Pathirana is recovering from an injury (details unknown) and will miss the Southern Derby.

CSK pacer Matheesha Pathirana set to miss RCB match due to injury

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, CSK coach Stephen Fleming confirmed that star Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is recovering from an injury and is unlikely to feature against RCB on March 28.

Fleming said, “Pathirana is recovering from injury. So don’t expect him to play tomorrow.“

In his absence, CSK will likely turn to Australian pacer Nathan Ellis as their overseas fast bowler. The 30-year-old featured in CSK’s IPL 2025 season opener against Mumbai Indians, bowling during the powerplay and death overs. He recorded figures of 1/38 and claimed Mitchell Santner’s wicket.

Ellis will join Khaleel Ahmed and Sam Curran in Chennai’s pace attack.

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