IPL 2024: Huge blow for Chennai Super Kings, Matheesha Pathirana to return to Sri Lanka due to injury

New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been dealt with a huge blow as pacer Matheesha Pathirana is set to return home due to an injury. Pathirana, who is a vital cog in the CSK bowling line-up, is currently nursing a hamstring injury and was not named in his team’s playing XI for their clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on Sunday.

CSK released a statement confirming that the young pacer will return to Sri Lanka to continue recovering from the injury. “Chennai Super Kings pacer Matheesha Pathirana is nursing a hamstring injury and will be returning to Sri Lanka for further recovery,” stated a media release from CSK. Pathirana was one of the best bowlers for CSK in IPL 2024 having picked up 13 wickets in just six matches.

🦁🚨 OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT 🦁🚨 #WhistlePodu #Yellove

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 5, 2024

Pathirana’s absence is a big blow for CSK, who are currently struggling in the middle of the points table with five wins from ten matches. CSK need to win at least three of their remaining four games to remain alive in the race for the playoffs. Pathirana’s departure will significantly weaken their pace attack as the young pacer was remarkably effective in the death overs with his ability to nail yorkers consistently.

CSK’s injury woes worsen

CSK’s injury woes have worsened with the departure of Pathirana as the five-time champions are already without Indian pacer Deepak Chahar, who is currently nursing a hamstring injury. While the five-time champions are yet to officially announce that he will be missing the remainder of the season, Chahar seems unlikely to play for CSK again in IPL 2024.

CSK also lost Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman after their last game against Punjab Kings at home as the left-arm speedster returned home for national duty. Mustafizur will be taking part in Bangladesh’s series against Zimbabwe at home ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Pathirana and Mustafizur were CSK’s two best fast bowlers this season and the five-time champions are now set to be without them for the rest of the season as they battle to secure a spot in the playoffs.

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