Ever since asking Joginder Sharma to bowl the final over of the 2007 T20 World Cup against Pakistan, former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and India captain MS Dhoni has been known to putting his trust into young players and turning them into champion performers, and Sri Lankan pacer
Matheesha Pathirana
is experiencing something similar at CSK in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
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Having a slingy action similar to Sri Lankan fast-bowling legend Lasith Malinga, Pathirana is currently fifth on the list of top wicket-takers in this IPL season, with 13 wickets in six matches.
He finished among the top 10 bowlers in the 2023 season as well.
He credits that success to the confidence shown in him by Dhoni, who handed over CSK captaincy duties to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024.
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"After my father, in my cricket life, mostly he (Dhoni) is playing my father's role because he is always taking care of me, giving me advice, what I have to do, similar to my father when I am at home," said Pathirana on the latest episode of 'Lions Upclose'.
Pathirana further revealed that Dhoni doesn't say much and always stresses on the need to enjoying the game and taking care of fitness.
"He's not telling a lot of things when I am on the field and off the field. He tells just small tings, but it makes a lot of difference. So those little things, I take a lot of confidence (from)," said the 21-year-old Sri Lankan pacer.
"In my cricket life, Dhoni’s like my father"| Lions up close Ft. Matheesha Pathirana
"Off the field, we don't talk that much; but if I have to ask something from him, definitely I would go to him and ask. Everytime he is telling me 'enjoy your game and take care of your body'."
The pacer from Trinity College in Kandy then slipped in quiet request that is on every CSK fan's wish-list.
"Mahi bhai, if you can play one more season, please play with us. If I'm here (laughs)."
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