Chennai Super Kings (CSK) received a much-needed boost with the return of Sri Lankan bowlers Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana to their Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) camp in Dharamshala.
Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana: Visa delays
The duo – Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana, had flown back to Sri Lanka earlier to process their visas for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA, as mandated by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for all Sri Lankan IPL participants.
This caused a temporary absence for both players, raising concerns for CSK amidst existing injury worries.
Return confirmed on Instagram
The wait, however, proved short-lived. After completing their visa interviews on Thursday, Pathirana and Theekshana took to Instagram on Saturday, confirming their return to India and imminent arrival in Dharamshala.
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Timely Boost for PBKS vs CSK IPL 2024 match
This news comes as a major relief for CSK, who face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a crucial IPL encounter on Sunday. Pathirana, especially, is a vital cog in the CSK bowling unit.
Nicknamed “Slinga” for his slinging bowling action, he has been a key weapon in the middle and death overs, a role even more crucial with the departure of CSK’s leading wicket-taker, Mustafizur Rahman, for national duty.
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More on IPL 2024:
Matheesha Pathirana availability bolsters CSK bowling attack
Matheesha Pathirana missed CSK’s last match due to a minor niggle, which coincided with their loss while defending a modest total against a strong Punjab Kings batting line-up. His return not only strengthens CSK’s bowling attack but also fills the void left by Mustafizur Rahman.
With Pathirana and Theekshana back in the fold, CSK will be looking to put their recent struggles behind them and turn the tide in their upcoming clash against PBKS.
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