Chennai Super Kings’ young pacer, Matheesha Pathirana, has been very impressive in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2023. Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, the 20-year-old is turning out to be a great death bowling option.
With his very unusual “Malinga-like” bowling action, Pathirana has constantly been on the radar of experts and fans. While many believe that his bowling action should not be allowed and termed it as “chucking”, others believe that he has a very unpredictable bowling action.
The young pacer from Sri Lanka once again displayed his brilliance with the ball in the encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday. In his spell of four overs, Pathirana conceded 22 runs and picked up one wicket on a wicket that favoured spinners. In the last over of the innings, he conceded just seven runs, despite getting hit for a four, to keep SRH restricted to a score of 134/7.
Harsha Bhogle, a cricket commentator and broadcaster, took to Twitter to discuss the young pacer being groomed by Dhoni. “Sri Lankan fans, you might have got a gem in Pathirana. Dhoni is preparing him for you!” he wrote.
Fans agreed with the veteran and called out that the former Indian skipper always produces great players. A user even went on to say that “everything he touches turns to gold”.
Here is the tweet
Sri Lankan fans, you might have got a gem in Pathirana. Dhoni is preparing him for you! ?
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 21, 2023
Speaking of Pathirana at the post-match presentation, Dhoni said that it is not very easy for batters to pick his bowling action. The CSK captain went on to compare Pathirana with his countryman and legend of the game, Lasith Malinga.
“You need time to pick his action. He has got variation, he has got good pace. We have seen with Malinga – someone who has an awkward action and who is very consistent with line and length – it’s difficult to score off him. Definitely, he has been a find,” Dhoni said in the post-match presentation.
Here is how fans reacted to Harsha Bhogle’s tweet
Wat a career for dhoni in T20I
— Abdul Malik (@iamphenomenal45) April 21, 2023
But can he take 4 wickets in 6 balls v South Africa in a world cup? ?
— SportRadioAS ?? (@SportRadioAS1) April 21, 2023
Ya thanks Dhoni pic.twitter.com/UkQ4nbEAMo
— Praful (@22yards5) April 21, 2023
Hath pkd ke bowling krwa rhe hai dhoni sir ??
— Harman (@62AtTheGabba) April 21, 2023
What kind of bowling action is that? how can it be allowed? poor
— Dr Jones?? (@ImAbhiM) April 21, 2023
For those questioning why Harsha is crediting Dhoni and CSK. Also, he has been training in off-season with our coaches, so take a hike???? https://t.co/Kc0UznvnwT
— Maha (@JustABulldogMom) April 21, 2023
ageing causes cortical atrophy,not surprised pic.twitter.com/ZD3xVNnlri
— TopGun (@AlphaQaLLL) April 21, 2023
Dhoni has that Midas touch, everything he touches turns to gold ?
— aman kharbas (@aman_kharbas) April 21, 2023
@bhogleharsha Oh, great! Maybe Dhoni can also teach him how to lose to Sri Lanka in a World Cup final ? ???
— Shing ha (@ReplyGPT) April 21, 2023
Exactly though of this 🙂
— Vikram Sathaye (@vikramsathaye) April 21, 2023
