News Mania desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/5th May 2024
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face a setback in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as their key bowler, Matheesha Pathirana, is forced to return to Sri Lanka to recuperate from a hamstring injury. Pathirana’s departure deals a blow to the team’s bowling lineup, already grappling with the absence of other key players due to injury and scheduling conflicts.
The announcement of Pathirana’s departure came through a media release from CSK, expressing the team’s wishes for his swift recovery. The right-arm pacer had played six matches in the IPL, making a notable impact with 13 wickets to his name at an economy rate of 7.68. However, his absence leaves a significant void in CSK’s bowling department, particularly in the death overs, where he specialized.
This setback compounds CSK’s existing challenges, with another key bowler, Deepak Chahar, also sidelined due to injury. Chahar, known for his prowess in the powerplay overs, has been unavailable for selection, further straining the team’s resources. His absence was keenly felt in recent matches, including the fixture against Punjab Kings, where his absence left a noticeable gap in the bowling lineup.
Pathirana’s injury woes date back to the beginning of the IPL 2024 season, where he missed the opening match against Royal Challengers Bangalore due to a hamstring injury sustained while representing Sri Lanka against Bangladesh. Despite his best efforts to recover, the injury resurfaced, necessitating his premature exit from the tournament. Pathirana’s departure adds to the list of Sri Lankan players sidelined in the IPL, with left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka also ruled out for the season.
The absence of key players like Pathirana and Madushanka underscores the challenges faced by Sri Lankan cricket, with injuries and fitness concerns hampering the availability of top talent. Additionally, Sri Lanka’s premier leg-spinner, WaninduHasaranga, opted out of the IPL 2024 due to chronic heel pain, further exacerbating the team’s struggles in the tournament.
As CSK grapples with the loss of Pathirana, the team’s overseas bowling options are limited. With Pathirana’s departure, England’s Richard Gleeson remains the sole overseas fast bowler in the CSK squad. The team had earlier bid farewell to Mustafizur Rahman, who joined the Bangladesh side for their T20I series against Zimbabwe after his IPL stint concluded on May 1.
In the wake of Pathirana’s absence, CSK’s management may need to explore alternative options to bolster their bowling lineup. Tushar Deshpande, who recovered from illness to feature in the recent fixture, could provide additional depth to the pace attack. Furthermore, players like Simarjeet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary, and Prashant Solanki, who were part of the Impact Player bench, could be considered for future matches to mitigate the team’s bowling concerns.
Despite the setbacks, CSK remains determined to overcome adversity and continue their quest for success in the IPL 2024. As the tournament progresses, the team will look to regroup and adapt to the challenges posed by injuries and absences, with the ultimate goal of reclaiming their position at the top of the standings.
