Former Sri Lanka pacer Chaminda Vaas has agreed with Chennai skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s recommendation that death over specialist Mathisha Pathirana should stay away from Test cricket and play only white-ball cricket.
The 20-year-old Sri Lankan pacer, who has been nicknamed “Baby Malinga” for his similar slinging action, has taken 15 wickets in 10 matches for the four-time IPL champions. During a presentation ceremony, Chennai skipper Dhoni said that Pathirana should avoid red-ball cricket and focus entirely on the white-ball format.
In the sixteenth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has led the team to the playoffs for the 12th time. One of the reasons for their success has been the emergence of bowler Mathisha Pathirana, who has often taken wickets in the death overs with his unorthodox style.
Earlier, Lasith Malinga had responded to MS Dhoni’s suggestion that Pathirana should avoid red-ball cricket due to his injured action. Malinga said that playing Test cricket would only strengthen his technique and strength, and he did not experience any serious physical difficulties as a result of such action.
“I was working for Sri Lanka cricket a year back and I told him the same thing. A guy like Mathi should be protected. If he plays all formats, because of the way he bowls won’t survive.”
He doesn’t have an easy action, a unique action that’s very vigorous. Then fitness will come into the picture. Bowling four overs is fine. If you bowl more than this then there will be a problem, as Dhoni said. I completely agree,” Gulf News quoted Vaas as saying.
Mathisha Pathirana will next be seen in action for CSK when they face Gujarat Titans (GT) in the first Qualifier at Chepauk on May 23.