Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathiesha Pathirana is in high demand after being released by Chennai Super Kings. According to the latest reports, the unconventional pacer had a new bidder within a week of being released by the Super Kings.
Chennai Super Kings had one of the worst seasons in the history of the IPL, as they finished last in the IPL 2025 points table. So the CSK management might have looked to release most of their former players and bring in some new faces in the mini-auction to improve their chances.
Not only did they let go of experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, but also parted ways with Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana. The fast bowler came to CSK and was trained and gradually became an expert fast bowler under the supervision and guidance of MS Dhoni.
Mathisha Pathirana gets new franchise a week after leaving CSK
Pathirana parted ways with his former franchise and was included in the pool of players for the mini-auction, which is scheduled for December 16. As per the latest reports suggested by Rohit Juglan, Punjab Kings have emerged as the frontrunners for the mega-auction.
He further revealed that before Pathirana was released by CSK, a total of three different franchises were offering his services. They had Rajasthan Royals offer a trade; They had LSG, and finally, they had last season’s runners-up Punjab Kings.
Since Punjab Kings needed a specialist seamer in the death overs, Pathirana would be a good fit; However, a trade between Marcus Stoinis and Mathiesha Pathirana was offered, while Juglan mentions that he is unaware of which party initiated the proposal.
KKR may also be looking for a foreign fast bowler
Along with Punjab Kings, another franchise that will be in dire need of a death overs bowler and especially a foreign seamer in the XI is Kolkata Knight Riders.
They released several big-budget players like Anrich Nortje, Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock and Andre Russell to shore up their budget ahead of the mini-auction. So, KKR not only needs a player like Pathirana but they can also take him to Punjab Kings.
Punjab Kings will have to fit a number of players as they need to rebuild their middle order after releasing players like Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell. At present, both these franchises remain the frontrunners for the CSK star.
Mathisha Pathirana’s IPL stats
Making his IPL debut in 2022, he has played four seasons for Chennai Super Kings. Mathisha Pathirana was CSK’s favorite player for wickets in the death overs in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Playing just 2 games in his first season for CSK, he came into limelight due to his unorthodox bowling style, his round-arm action, high release and his yorkers, which got better with time.
Coming from the land of Lasith Malinga, this fast bowler has taken 47 wickets in 32 IPL matches and his average in his career has been 21.62. With a little more economy, he has raw pace and when he is in form, his accuracy makes him unstoppable.
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