“MS Dhoni has been playing the role of a father in my cricket life”: Heavy praise for the CSK star. cricket news

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana said the great MS Dhoni plays a “fatherly role” in his cricket life and urged the cricket icon to play one more season in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The five-time champions will take on Punjab Kings in Dharamshala on Sunday. This will be an important game for CSK as far as playoff chances are concerned. The Yellow Army is placed fifth in the points table with five wins and five losses, giving it a total of 10 points. PBKS, on the other hand, are placed seventh with four wins, six losses and a total of eight points. In their previous game, PBKS won by seven wickets against CSK in Chennai on Wednesday.

Speaking at CSK’s Lions Upclose show, Pathirana said that Dhoni always cares about him and gives him valuable advice as a cricketer.

“After my father, in my cricket life, mostly he (Dhoni) is playing the role of my father because he always takes care of me, advises me what to do, just like my father when I am at home. He only tells small things, but it makes a lot of difference, so I have a lot of confidence in those small things,” said the Sri Lankan fast bowler.

Pathirana said that even though they don’t talk much outside the field, he often goes to Dhoni and asks him for whatever he needs.

“Every time he tells 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,” he concluded.

After impressing with his powerful action reminiscent of Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga, Pathirana made his debut for the Lankan Lions after IPL 2022. In 12 matches of IPL 2023, he took 19 wickets at an average of 14.63, with his best performance being 3. /15 and played an important role in CSK’s fifth title win. In the current season, Pathirana has played just six matches due to injury and has taken 13 wickets at an average of 13.00, with best figures of 4/28.

CSK did not get the services of Pathirana as he returned to his country to sort out visa issues ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup starting in West Indies/USA from June 1 this year.

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