Batters have adapted to pathrarana: Five -time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were ruled out of the IPL Playoff race after a defeat to Punjab Super Kings (PBKS) on Wednesday. The magic of 22 -year -old Sri Lankan fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana could not work for Chennai. Pathirana, popularly known as ‘Baby Malinga’, could not disturb the batsmen in the IPL this time. Pathirana is considered special of Dhoni and the CSK captain has back a lot to this player.
Does the change in action spoil the form?
However, Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Eric Simmons has defended Mathisha Pathirana, who is struggling with poor form in this IPL season. Simmons has said that the opposing batsmen are now beginning to understand their balls and are able to play it better. The head coach of Chennai had earlier said that Pathirana’s form has deteriorated due to change in action.
Simmons said in the press conference after the match, ‘It is clear that there has been a slight change in action. It cannot be said that his accuracy has been affected, but the batsmen are now playing better. We saw this especially against Mumbai Indians (Mi). They are starting to get his balls very well and are getting better.
🎥 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘀 in spilt screen 😎
Lasith Malinga’s legacy remains in Matheesha Pathirana’s Accuracy ✨#Tataipl , #LSGVCSK , @Chennaiipl pic.twitter.com/qajrej69sb
– Indianpremierleague (@IPL) April 19, 2024
Mathisha Pathirana has taken 9 wickets from an economy of 10.39 in 8 matches so far this season. During this, he bowled several wide balls. Pathirana took 13 wickets after playing 6 matches in the last season. So far, he has taken 43 wickets in 28 matches in IPL career.
Eric Simmons said, ‘He has to continuously improve. Bowlers and batsmen have to keep improving their game. He said that Chennai will have to play more cleverly on decisive occasions to win the match. He said, ‘We have to do well in big overs. We have to play more cleverly in important moments of the match.