IPL 2024: Huge Blow For MS Dhoni And Co., CSK Star Player Ruled Out Of Initial Matches
Chennai Super Kings are not having a good time ahead of the start of the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League as another one of their star players have been ruled out from initial few matches of IPL 2024. Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is set to miss the start of the IPL season due to injury. He has been ruled out of the IPL opener between CSK and RCB.
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Sri Lankan Board hasn't issued NOC for Matheesha Pathirana for the initial leg of the IPL despite him being fit and good to go!
CSK Management and IPL council must intervene as this is a huge loss!#IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/mQeZSO1ysq
— Hustler (@HustlerCSK) March 21, 2024
The 21-year-old Sri Lankan fast bowler suffered an injury during the second T20I against Bangladesh in Sylhet earlier this month, preventing him from completing his spell. According to ESPNcricinfo sources, Pathirana is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of two weeks and will join the IPL squad only after receiving medical clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Presently, he is undergoing rehabilitation at the high-performance center in Colombo.
With the T20 World Cup scheduled to commence on June 1 in the USA and the Caribbean, shortly after the conclusion of the IPL, SLC is keen on handling Pathirana's situation with caution. Pathirana becomes the second Sri Lankan fast bowler sidelined, as left-armer Dilshan Madushanka, set to debut for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, has been ruled out for the entire season.
Pathirana's injury deals a significant setback to CSK, especially since they are already missing New Zealand opener Devon Conway, sidelined until May due to a thumb injury. Notably, Pathirana boasted the best economy rate of 8.00 in the death overs (between overs 16 and 20) among bowlers who had delivered at least 90 balls during this phase in IPL 2023. Furthermore, he was the top wicket-taker during this period, claiming 18 wickets in 12 innings.
Also Read: IPL 2024: CSK vs RCB Preview, Probable Playing XI, Streaming Details And More
