'He Shouldn't Play Red-Ball Cricket, Not Even Get Close': MS Dhoni's Advice To CSK Pacer

CSK legend MS Dhoni believes Matheesha Pathirana "should not even get close to red-ball cricket" as his sling arm bowling action makes him prone to injuries.

Chennai Super Kings invited Mumbai Indians to bat first, restricting them to a below-par 139/8 in 20 overs, and then chased down the target of 140 in 17.4 overs. ( Image Source :PTI )

Sri Lanka's talented young pacer Matheesha Pathirana, widely regarded as 'Baby Malinga' due to his sling arm bowling action like Lankan legend Lasith Malinga, is part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for 2023 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 20-year-old pacer won man of the match award for his clinical spell (3 wickets for 15 runs) in Chennai Super Kings' much-needed six-wicket over Mumbai Indians at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday (May 6). Meanwhile, after the match got over, MS Dhoni shared important advice for Pathirana during the post-match presentation. CSK legend Dhoni believes Pathirana "should not even get close to red-ball cricket" as his unique sling arm bowling action makes him prone to injuries and it risks Sri Lanka losing "such a great asset".

"People who don't have any clean action, batsmen have a difficult time picking it. But his consistency, pace makes him special," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation.

"I feel he should not play red-ball cricket, not even get close to it, he can play only ICC tournaments. He is young and he would be a great asset for Sri Lankan cricket. Last time he came, he was lean but now he has put on muscle and is stronger."

Dhoni opted to bowl first after winning the toss. He revealed he had wanted to bat first, but was outnumbered in the team meeting.

"I was doubtful with the decision at the toss, I wanted to bat first but the think tank thought about the rain, I was slightly outnumbered and so we went with the majority.

"If there is some kind of a confusion then we sit and talk about it. I felt the wicket will slow down and that was the reason behind it, and even if rain comes then the majority of the game would have been done," he said.

Chennai Super Kings invited Mumbai Indians to bat first, restricting them to a below-par 139/8 in 20 overs, and then chased down the target of 140 in 17.4 overs.