Chennai Super Kings (CSK) sent shock waves through Indian Premier League (IPL) With the fraternity’s unexpected release of its young Sri Lankan fast bowler on 15 November, Mathisha PathiranaThe decision was particularly shocking as the five-time champions had previously retained him at a whopping price of Rs 13 crore and had actively rejected multiple trade requests for the death-over specialist,
IPL 2026: CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan explains why Mathisha Pathirana was released
The ultimate goal, as the CEO explained, was to equip the franchise with maximum financial strength to rebuild its championship-winning core. The central explanation for the high-profile release of Pathirana, a bowler often touted as the heir apparent Lasith MalingaThis lies entirely within the scope of the financial strategy for the upcoming mini-auction. After a season of tremendous performances and massive business activity from Pathirana sanju samson Arrive at Rs 18 crore (and exit accordingly). Ravindra Jadeja And Sam Curran), CSK preferred a larger, flexible budget.
The management saw the Rs 13 crore spent on Pathirana as the most viable amount to execute a comprehensive team overhaul after a disappointing finish last season. The CEO emphasized that this was a collective and difficult choice made for the overall betterment of the team, thereby ensuring that they did not come into the auction with their hands tied.
“We wanted to enter the auction with a bigger purse. We had already made tough calls by trading away Jadeja and Curran. Sanju Samson came in for ₹18 crore. Looking at the kind of combination we are trying to make, the management collectively felt that a bigger purse would give us a better chance of building a stronger team. Whatever we do will always be in the best interest of the team. We will try to bring him back but it will depend on how the auction goes.” Is.” RevSportz quoted CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan as saying.
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IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings decide to reject concrete trade offers for Pathirana
According to RevSportz, the most surprising element of this saga was the franchise’s decision to reject solid trade offers for Pathirana, which included another one from Rajasthan for the Samson deal. punjab kings For marcus stoinisOnly to release him later.
This paradox can be understood as a strategic high-stakes game by the CSK management. By refusing to trade him, they retained control over his future, gambling that his recent decline in form, coupled with his high base price, might deter rival bidders. The aim is to re-acquire the Sri Lankan fast bowler, who took 47 wickets in 32 matches for the franchise, at a much lower price than the Rs 13 crore he was retained for last year. However, this risk is being closely monitored by competitors Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)Who have also released big names and have a big purse, increasing the chances of a bidding war for ‘Slinga’.
Also read: IPL 2026: 5 franchises that could target Mathisha Pathirana in the Indian Premier League auction
