One of the Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) greatest success stories of 2023 was Matheesha Pathirana, who took 19 wickets in 12 games at an economy rate of 8.01. His 2024 participation was limited because to a hamstring ailment. Nine wickets in eight games, a high economy rate of 10.40, and an average of 33.11 have been recorded in the IPL 2025.
A modified course of action is somewhat to blame for the lack of success, which somewhat reflects the season CSK has had.
CSK bowling consultant Eric Simons stated, “I think it’s been pretty well documented that there was a bit of [an] action change,” following CSK’s defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Wednesday, which left them out of the postseason race. “But I think he’s pretty much back to where he was, just in terms of the height of his arm on a reasonably consistent basis.”
Following CSK’s most recent game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), head coach Stephen Fleming appeared to imply that Sri Lanka Cricket may be to blame for the action shift that was noticeable in South Africa during the SA20 earlier this year.
“Pathirana, he was completely wrong in South Africa. Fleming had stated at a news conference that “yes, there was a problem with his action, and that might be a question for Sri Lanka Cricket.” However, we’ll make every effort to help him regain his form and return to what we believe to be his finest performance and action.
“He lives nearby. Since leaving South Africa two months ago, he has significantly improved. We simply hope that he continues to make that progress as part of his development; he will try things and be asked to try things before deciding on a course of action that will yield the best outcomes.”
When Pathirana bowled the 14th over against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 20 at the Wankhede Stadium, he gave up 14 runs, mostly to Rohit Sharma, then was blasted for three sixes by Suryakumar Yadav in his subsequent over, ending with 1.4-0-34-0. It was his worst day in office.
“I don’t know if he is less precise. Batsmen are playing him much better, in my opinion. The way that batters are playing against him clearly shows a trend. The strategy they are employing, especially against Mumbai the other day, shows that they are aware of his plans and actions,” Simons stated. “The next step for him could be the evolution. What he must do tactically to continue to change. Batsmen must continue to develop. Bowlers must continue to develop.
“Once more, his channels were excellent tonight. You like a fuller length, and his lines were really decent. He clearly got his lengths. This year, however, the batsmen are handling him differently. It’s about his development, but if you look at his accuracy, it doesn’t match the number of runs that were scored [off him].”
Against PBKS, he took out Nehal Wadhera and Shreyas Iyer, but he conceded 45 runs in his four overs.
Simons stated, “It’s a feel thing for him,” which goes much beyond the discussion of his method. He seems to be back there, in our opinion.
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