Pathirana is the perfect replacement for Bravo, feels Irfan Pathan
Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan believes the Chennai Super Kings have found a perfect replacement for Dwayne Bravo in Matheesha Pathirana.
Cricket PassionEditor
Posted - 2023-05-12T13:48:16+06:00
Updated - 2023-05-12T13:48:16+06:00
Former Indian tempo player Irfan Pathan felt Chennai Super Kings have found a replacement for Dwayne Bravo in Matheesha Pathirana.
Chennai Super Kings' young pacer Matheesha Pathirana continued to up his stats with his performance in the death overs when he picked up a couple of wickets in the IPL against the Delhi Capitals.
On Wednesday, the Chennai Super Kings continued their dominance in Chepauk by posting a 27-run victory over Delhi Capitals and virtually eliminating the David Warner-led side from the playoff race.
One of the few Sri Lankans this season in the Indian Premier League, Pathirana has kept Mahendra Singh Dhoni's faith in him and has caused a stir with his outstanding performances this season.
CSK had Bravo and now they have Pathirana. He's a perfect substitute, plus he's got real pace," Pathan said. Pathirana was brought into the squad as a substitute last season and didn't get many opportunities in the 2023 IPL.
However, the Lankan pacer has had a bigger run this time and has taken 13 wickets in eight games so far with a best performance of 3/15. Pathirana, known as Lasith Malinga 2.0, has similar bowling action to the legendary Lankan Pacer and consistently hit the 150km/h mark in the 2023 IPL.
Former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan reckons the Chennai Super Kings have found a perfect replacement for Dwayne Bravo in Pathirana. Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, Irfan Pathan said: “Every team looks for a bowler they can rely on in the death overs. MI had Malinga, they have Bumrah. KKR had Sunil Narine through two IPL seasons when they won the trophy. CSK had Bravo and now they have Pathirana. He's a perfect replacement and he's got real pace.”
Irfan Pathan said CSK are the only team in the IPL where the fans keep cheering even when the home batters are dismissed as they eagerly await MS Dhoni's arrival on the pitch. CSK captain MS Dhoni has once again positioned his troops well. Dhoni set an example for his team as it was his cameo appearance with 20 of 9 deliveries that gave CSK the late kick-off they needed.
Speaking on media, Irfan Pathan said: “Chepauk is the only pitch in the world where spectators cheer when a wicket falls for the host team. Reason – MSD comes on the field to bat. The audience warmly welcomes his beloved Thala and wants six from him."