Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have encountered a massive setback ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as their star pacer Matheesha Pathirana is most likley to miss the match due to an injury.
Pathirana, 21, sustained the injury during the second T20I match against Bangladesh in Sylhet on Wednesday. Due to the injury, the pacer will now miss the third T20I on Saturday (March 9).
Sri Lanka Cricket also confirmed the development on X, tweeting: “Matheesha Pathirana will not be available for selection for the 3rd T20I, as the player has sustained a Grade 1 hamstring injury on his left leg. Pathirana suffered the injury while bowling in the 2nd T20I game.”
Pathirana also battled with cramps during the previous game, prompting the physiotherapist to provide assistance. He continued bowling in the first T20I match against hosts Bangladesh Despite not being fully fit. However, his injury escalated during the second match, compelling him to leave the field without completing his quota of four overs.
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However, CSK can find relief as the injury update on their young pacer seems positive. Scans on Pathirana’s hamstring issue show no major injury. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is reportedly unlikely to risk him in the final T20I against Bangladesh.
CSK, however, received an additional boost with their latest addition, Mustafizur Rahman of Bangladesh, returning to fitness after a head injury sustained during the T20I series against Sri Lanka. Therefore, the Yellow Brigade may consider utilizing Mustafizur if Pathirana is unavailable for the start of the season.
Earlier, CSK’s opening batter Devon Conway was sidelined from the opening leg due to a thumb injury. He also remains uncertain for the entire 2024 season. Pathirana’s injury only adds to the concerns for the side, led by charismatic skipper MS Dhoni.
Notably, CSK will start the 2024 edition on March 22 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
