Cricket

Ahead of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), CSK head coach Stephen Fleming hinted that pacer Matheesha Pathirana could miss the game due to a minor injury.Pathirana, who has been a key performer for CSK, has missed the team's previous two matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Fleming expressed optimism that Pathirana may be available for the MI game, but emphasized that the team would not rush him back if he is not fully fit."It (Pathirana's niggle) was not as bad as what we had thought, so we are very hopeful that if not tomorrow, then very close," Fleming said at a pre-match press conference. "We know the importance of him in games like this, but we will make sure he is 100 per cent in this form."Fleming also praised CSK's new captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who he believes possesses similar qualities to former skipper MS Dhoni. "There is no difference (between Gaikwad and Dhoni). He is as cool as it gets," Fleming said. "He is cut from the same cloth, so that is rubbed through."Fleming dismissed concerns about Gaikwad's "slow" strike rate, arguing that it needs to be put into context. "He is such an impressive young man around his game and what he needs to do," Fleming said. "He has been, I think, unfairly put into a bracket where he has been called slow. But you have to have context to some of these stats."Fleming acknowledged that batting has evolved significantly in the IPL, but stressed the need for measures to help bowlers. "The two bouncers (rule) is one, and maybe we need to keep looking at other ways to do that," he said.The CSK-MI rivalry is one of the most intense in the IPL, with both teams having won five titles each. Fleming expressed his excitement for the upcoming match. "We love it. We look forward to this fixture," he said. "Over the years it has developed into a really competitive rivalry, and it is based on two good teams playing successful brands of cricket."

Chennai Super Kings' Matheesha Pathirana Clarifies Gesture Towards MS DhoniDuring the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT), a video clip emerged on social media suggesting that Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana had touched the feet of former CSK captain MS Dhoni. However, a subsequent video from a different angle has shed light on the actual incident.The side angle footage reveals that Pathirana did not touch Dhoni's feet but instead bent down to pick up the bowling marker, which was placed near Dhoni's feet. The initial video, which had gone viral, had sparked speculation that Pathirana was seeking blessings from Dhoni.Meanwhile, CSK registered a comprehensive 63-run victory over GT at the Chepauk fortress. Deepak Chahar provided a strong start for CSK, dismissing Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill in the powerplay. GT never threatened to chase down the target in the final six overs, as CSK inflicted GT's biggest defeat in terms of runs.Earlier, CSK got off to a flying start with the bat, despite losing Rachin Ravindra's wicket in the final over of the powerplay. Ravindra amassed 46 off just 20 deliveries, while skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad provided support. Shivam Dube and Daryl Mitchell also contributed with valuable knocks, helping CSK post a total of 206/6.

Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian spin maestro, has expressed concerns over the bowling action of Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, highlighting the potential risks to his physical well-being.Pathirana, who impressed for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their title-winning IPL campaign last year, has drawn comparisons to Lasith Malinga due to his slingy action. However, Ashwin believes that Pathirana's lower angle of release puts excessive strain on his back and front leg."His angle of release is much lower, which puts immense strain on his back," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. "His front leg literally collapses when he releases the ball; the core gets worked up too much, and it is very strenuous."In contrast, Ashwin praised Malinga's side-on action, which he described as "beautiful" and less taxing on the body. "Lasith Malinga goes for a beautiful side-on position. His back and feet will be parallel to the crease," Ashwin explained.Ashwin also noted that Pathirana's action is causing him to get into "dangerous positions and complications." He added, "I understand the complexity of facing him is different, but he is facing different problems now. This might be just his early stages, and his body needs to fill up more, but he is getting into some dangerous positions and complications."Pathirana's fitness is currently a concern after he suffered a hamstring injury during the second T20I against Bangladesh. His participation in the upcoming IPL season, which begins on March 22, remains uncertain.Ashwin's analysis highlights the importance of proper bowling technique to prevent injuries and ensure longevity in the sport. Pathirana's unique action may give him an advantage on the field, but it also raises questions about its long-term sustainability.

Sri Lanka's express pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the third and final T20I against Bangladesh on Saturday due to a grade one hamstring injury. The setback comes as a blow to the Sri Lankan team, who are looking to clinch the series after the teams shared the first two matches.Pathirana, known for his lightning-fast deliveries, sustained the injury during the second T20I on Thursday. He was seen clutching his left hamstring while attempting to complete his fourth over, forcing Angelo Mathews to bowl the final two deliveries.The 19-year-old has been a key figure for Sri Lanka in the series, showcasing his raw pace and ability to generate steep bounce. In the first T20I, he conceded 56 runs in four overs, but bounced back in the second match with figures of 2 for 28 from 3.4 overs.Sri Lanka's team management will now have to find a suitable replacement for Pathirana in the final match. Nuwan Thushara, who also bowls with a round-arm action, is the closest like-for-like option in the squad, although he lacks the same blistering pace. Other seamers in contention include left-armers Binura Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.The injury to Pathirana is a concern for Sri Lanka, especially considering his importance to the team's plans for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). Pathirana is the designated death bowler for Chennai Super Kings, who begin their IPL campaign on March 22.With the series tied 1-1, the third T20I in Sylhet on Saturday promises to be a thrilling encounter. Sri Lanka will be eager to secure a series victory, while Bangladesh will be determined to end the series on a high.