Ever since he asked Joginder Sharma to bowl the final over against Pakistan in the 2007 T20 World Cup, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and India captain MS Dhoni has had faith in his young players and has given them a lot of confidence. Known for developing students into champion performers. Lankan pacer Matisha Pathirana has had a similar experience with CSK during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
IPL 2024: Results | Point table
Pathirana, who has a deft action similar to Sri Lankan fast bowling legend Lasith Malinga, is currently fifth on the list of IPL top wicket-takers this season with 13 wickets in six matches. He also finished within the top 10 bowlers in the 2023 season.
He credits that success to the confidence shown by Dhoni, who handed over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024.
watch video
“Next to my father, he (Dhoni) plays the role of a father primarily in my cricketing life because he always takes care of me and gives me advice and what I have to do. He's the same as my father when I'm at home,” Pathirana said in the latest episode of “Lions Up Close.”
Pathirana further revealed that Dhoni doesn't talk much and always emphasizes the need to enjoy the game and take care of his fitness.
“He doesn't say a lot whether I'm on the field or off the field. He just says little things, but it makes a big difference. So those little things, I have a lot of confidence. ” he said. 21 year old Sri Lankan pacer.
“Off the field, we don't talk much. But if I want to ask him something, I'll definitely go up to him and ask him. He always tells me, 'Enjoy the game, get fit. Take care of yourself.''
The pacer from Trinity College in Kandy then fulfilled a quiet request that is on every CSK fan's wish list.
“Mahi bhai, if you can play one more season, please play with me. If only I were there (lol).”
IPL 2024: Results | Point table
Pathirana, who has a deft action similar to Sri Lankan fast bowling legend Lasith Malinga, is currently fifth on the list of IPL top wicket-takers this season with 13 wickets in six matches. He also finished within the top 10 bowlers in the 2023 season.
He credits that success to the confidence shown by Dhoni, who handed over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024.
Expanding
“Next to my father, he (Dhoni) plays the role of a father primarily in my cricketing life because he always takes care of me and gives me advice and what I have to do. He's the same as my father when I'm at home,” Pathirana said in the latest episode of “Lions Up Close.”
Pathirana further revealed that Dhoni doesn't talk much and always emphasizes the need to enjoy the game and take care of his fitness.
“He doesn't say a lot whether I'm on the field or off the field. He just says little things, but it makes a big difference. So those little things, I have a lot of confidence. ” he said. 21 year old Sri Lankan pacer.
“Off the field, we don't talk much. But if I want to ask him something, I'll definitely go up to him and ask him. He always tells me, 'Enjoy the game, get fit. Take care of yourself.''
The pacer from Trinity College in Kandy then fulfilled a quiet request that is on every CSK fan's wish list.
“Mahi bhai, if you can play one more season, please play with me. If only I were there (lol).”