MS Dhoni Receives 'Play One More Season' Request From Matheesha Pathirana (Source: BCCI/IPL)Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana has enjoyed a stunning season for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024 .
With 13 wickets in six matches, he has played a significant role in CSK 's wins this season.
Pathirana got recognition from IPL after he was roped in by MS Dhoni -led CSK in 2022, which paved the way for his international debut the same year.
Pathirana opened up on the impact of former CSK captain MS Dhoni on his career and highlighted how the veteran's valuable advice helped him evolve as a cricketer.
CSK were hammered by Punjab Kings in the last game, however, the team missed the services of key bowlers like Matheesha Pathirana and Tushar Deshpande.
MS Dhoni Receives 'Play One More Season' Request From Matheesha Pathirana (Source: BCCI/IPL)
Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana has enjoyed a stunning season for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2024 . With 13 wickets in six matches, he has played a significant role in CSK 's wins this season. Pathirana got recognition from IPL after he was roped in by MS Dhoni -led CSK in 2022, which paved the way for his international debut the same year. He took 19 wickets in the title-winning season for CSK in 2023. Pathirana opened up on the impact of former CSK captain MS Dhoni on his career and highlighted how the veteran's valuable advice helped him evolve as a cricketer.
"After my father, in my cricket life, mostly he (Dhoni) is playing my father's role because he is always taking care of me, giving me advice, what I have to do, similar to my father when I am at home. He tells just small things, but it makes a lot of difference. So those little things, I take a lot of confidence," said Pathirana on the show 'Lions Upclose'
Meanwhile, the IPL 2024 could be MS Dhoni's last as a player. Dhoni stepped down as captain ahead of the season and handed over the leadership role to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Dhoni has assigned himself a specific role where he only comes into bat for the final few deliveries, trying to fetch as many boundaries as possible. Dhoni has hit nine sixes and 10 fours in the handful of balls he has faced in IPL 2024. Speculations are rife that the veteran will hang his boots after the current season, however, Pathirana wants Dhoni to play one more season of IPL.
"Off the field, we don't talk that much; but if I have to ask something from him, definitely I would go to him and ask. Every time he is telling me, 'Enjoy your game and take care of your body,' Mahi bhai, if you can play one more season, please play with us. If I'm here (laughs)."
Meanwhile, CSK are placed fifth on the points table, with five wins and as many defeats. They need three wins in four games to make t to the playoffs. CSK were hammered by Punjab Kings in the last game, however, the team missed the services of key bowlers like Matheesha Pathirana and Tushar Deshpande. Pathirana is all set to return to CSK's playing XI against PBKS on Sunday.
