Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could suffer another major injury blow as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) delivered a worrying update on the fitness of fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana. The reigning IPL champions have already lost the services of Devon Conway for at least the first half of IPL 2024.
The New Zealand opener was ruled out with a thumb injury he suffered during the second T20I against Australia last month. He had to undergo thumb surgery and will be out at least until May.
Missing Conway will be a big blow for the Chennai-based team. The left-handed batsman was one of the best in the last edition of the IPL. In 16 games, Conway scored 672 runs with the help of six half-centuries. He also starred in the final against Gujarat Titans and was named Player of the Match for his quickfire knock of 47 runs.
SLC Update on Matheesha Pathirana:
SLC, on Friday (March 8), announced that Matheesha Pathirana suffered a Grade 1 hamstring injury and He will miss the upcoming third T20I between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The right-arm pacer had sustained the injury while he was bowling in the first second T20I of the three-match series.
Matheesha Pathirana was seen clutching her left hamstring while bowling her last over and ultimately failed to complete the over. Veteran Angelo Mathews had to deliver the last two balls of the young pacer’s fourth over.
“Matheesha Pathirana will not be available for selection for the third T20I as the player suffered a grade 1 hamstring injury in his left leg. Pathirana suffered the injury while bowling in the second game of the T20i.”
🚨 Team updates
Matheesha Pathirana will not be available for selection for the third T20I as the player suffered a grade 1 hamstring injury in his left leg.
Pathirana suffered the injury while bowling in the second game of the T20i. #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/HxfDwmHiAp
– Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) March 8, 2024
CSK will be hoping their star pacer makes a quick recovery for IPL 2024. The Grade 1 hamstring injury doesn’t take long to heal, although it wouldn’t be too surprising if Matheesha Pathirana misses CSK’s season opener , scheduled to be played against the Royal Challengers. Bengaluru on March 22.
Matheesha Pathirana had a good outing in IPL 2023 as she picked up 19 wickets in 12 games. He is CSK’s designated death bowler and will be looking for another successful IPL campaign.