The much-anticipated IPL 2025 Match 8 between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is set to take place on Friday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. However CSK will be without their star Sri Lankan National Cricket Team pacer Matheesha Pathirana who is still recovering from an injury. His absence could be a significant setback for CSK especially against an RCB side that has started the tournament in strong form.

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Pathirana who was retained by CSK for INR 13 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, has been struggling with an injury and will not feature in the high-stakes encounter. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the news in a pre-match press conference, stating, “Pathirana is recovering from injury. So don’t expect him to play tomorrow.” 

The Sri Lankan speedster had a stellar IPL 2024 season where he picked up 13 wickets in just six matches proving to be one of CSK’s most valuable assets in the bowling department.Over his three-season IPL career Pathirana has taken 34 wickets in 20 matches maintaining an impressive economy rate of 7.68. 

His standout performance came in IPL 2024 against Mumbai Indians, where he delivered a match-winning spell of 4/28. His ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers at the death has made him a crucial component of CSK’s bowling attack. Unfortunately due to his ongoing recovery he has yet to feature in IPL 2025, leaving a void in CSK’s pace unit.

As CSK prepares to face their long-time rivals, Pathirana’s absence could be a major factor in shaping the outcome of the match. 

CSK vs RCB probable 11s

Chennai Super Kings (probable XI): Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Rahul Tripathi, Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (WK), R Ashwin, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (probable XI): Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma