IPL 2024: CSK Star Matheesha Pathirana Set To Miss Start Of Season With Hamstring Injury
IPL 2024: It is still not clear when Matheesha Pathirana would be able to join his CSK teammates.
Matheesha Pathirana, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star, is all set to miss the start of IPL 2024 owing to a hamstring injury. Notably, the 21-year-old Sri Lanka pacer, who injured himself during the second T20I against Bangladesh, will be unable to recover in time for CSK's opener on March 22. It is not yet clear as to when he will be be joining the defending champions.
A report carried by ESPNCricinfo confirms the development while also suggesting that the speedster is awaiting a clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) only after which he will be able to join the MS Dhoni-led side. CSK feature in the IPL 2024 opener where they will be up against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Injury Concerns Deepen For CSK
The news of Pathirana getting ruled out of CSK's initial clashes adds to CSK's injury concerns. The Men In Yellow are already without the services of Devon Conway who was ruled out until May with a thumb injury. Moreover, Pathirana was one of CSK's best performers and had an exceptional economy of 8.00 at the death overs which was the best among the bowlers who had bowled a minimum of 90 balls in that phase of the match. In addition, Pathirana was also the highest wicket-taker at the death, with a total of 18 wickets from 12 innings.
With Pathirana ruled out of CSK's initial clashes, the management could turn to Mustafizur Rahman with the Bangladesh pacer also making the death overs, a territory of his own. While Mustafizur had also sustained an injury ahead of IPL 2024, he has since then recovered and joined the franchise. A final call on team combination will be made depending upon the pitch and surface on offer with Moeen Ali also a useful option with the ball, especially if the wicket offers a bit of assistance to spinners.
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