Sri Lanka young fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has praised Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for his success in international career.

The right-arm pacer, who is reminiscent of the great Lasith Malinga, attracted attention with his slinging bowling action at the 2022 U-19 World Cup. In the IPL 2022, CSK seized the chance to recruit him as a replacement for the injured Adam Milne. Although he only played in two games during his debut season at CSK, it did assist him receive his first Sri Lankan international call-up. Pathirana emerged as CSK's strike bowler in the last two seasons after taking 32 wickets in 18 games.

Regarding his quick ascent in the world of international cricket, Pathirana expressed gratitude to CSK, stating that being a member of the IPL franchise made it possible for people to start picking him for the national squad. In addition, he described being a player for CSK as "a gift from God" and mentioned how "very special" it was to share a dressing room with MS Dhoni.

"After my under-19s, I was not in any squads in Sri Lanka. But since my debut for CSK, I got those chances and got selected for Sri Lanka’s main team. Playing for CSK is a gift from god for me. Until I played for CSK, not many knew me. Sharing the dressing room with Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) is very special for youngsters like me, especially coming from Sri Lanka," Pathirana said on Sportstar.

"I think it will be a good challenge. India is coming with a new coach and some new players; their combination will be slightly different. But it will be a good challenge for us because they are world champions. We have a very good side and a lot of talent and potential. Unfortunately, we didn’t do well in the T20 World Cup. But if we can win this series, it will be a confidence booster for the next three years," added Pathirana.