MS Dhoni believes Matheesha Pathirana for CSK, Sri Lanka and Dasun Shanaka must do so

Matheesha Pathirana has so far played 4 matches for CSK, with two of those coming this season. The player bowled the final overs of the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad and executed things extremely well.

CSK skipper MS Dhoni has shown a lot of faith in the 20-year-old and heaped praises on him after the match. Dhoni was asked about Pathirana’s uncanny action and he explained the quality Pathirana possesses.

“He has the skillset. He is very difficult. He has variations and good pace and it is difficult to score consistently against him. He is bowling the last overs and has been an asset,” Dhoni said after the SRH match.

It is also revealed that the former India captain wanted Pathirana to join CSK back in 2020 and so far has played a major role in the youngster’s blossoming career. The pacer has been a top-notch performer in U19 cricket and has graced the stage of IPL with ease.

But his way into the Sri Lanka squad still looks a bit bumpy. Sri Lanka have seldom had generational pace talents. Since the retirement of Lasith Malinga, they have struggled in the pace department. Apart from Nuwan Kulasekara, most of their pacers have had an underwhelming international career in recent times.

But Pathirana feels different. The youngster looks a complete different breed, and quite clearly consists of the quality it requires to be successful in the bigger stage. IPL commentator Harsha Bhogle recently had an encouraging message to say to the Sri Lanka faithful.

“Sri Lankan fans, you might have got a gem in Pathirana. Dhoni is preparing him for you,” Bhogle wrote on social media.

And to be fair, this is not an over statement. Pathirana is a fantastic bowler and has the skillset to thrive on the international stage. And MS Dhoni’s presence is propelling him to an even better version.

Under the adept guidance of the former India captain, Pathirana will learn different aspects of the game, and if he can assimilate those things, Sri Lanka cricket will benefit big time.

There have been voices in Sri Lanka to include Pathirana in the senior squad. And rightly so. The Lions don’t have a formidable pace attack nowadays, and there is no harm in trying someone like Pathirana.

He was part of the Sri Lanka ODI squad which travelled to New Zealand last month, but was left unused in the entire series.

Dasun Shanaka and the Sri Lanka selectors will have to take the bold decision to include the CSK pacer and expose him to certain situations. There is no doubt that Pathirana may fail in occasional matches, will go for runs, but for the future aspect, it is just the perfect roadmap.

The Island country has been in dire straits and will have to go through the World Cup qualifiers to get entry into the ICC ODI World Cup later this year. And in that mission, Pathirana can be a big asset for them.

The likes of Dilshan Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara and Kasun Rajitha have done a decent job for them, and Pathirana’s inclusion in the team can only enhance the quality and help them to accomplish their mission.