Matheesha Pathirana has been a decent name in the side of Chennai Super Kings, claiming 34 wickets in the span of the last three seasons while featuring in 20 matches. More importantly, his economy rate of 7.88 also makes him a reliable name in the team. However, is the Sri Lankan worth INR 18 or 14 or 11 crores?
With all being said, it is almost certain that CSK will be roping in MS Dhoni for INR 4 crore considering the fact that he is now being labelled as an uncapped player. But is Pathirana worth the hype or will retaining the Sri Lankan backfire? Here are three reasons why retaining Matheesa Pathirana might just not be the right move.
#1 The tournament will be on the Indian pitches
With the IPL slated to be played on the Indian surfaces, the last year of the tournament underlined, unless it is an affirmed match-winner like Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Jasprit Bumrah, a lumpsum amount of double digits for a retention of a bowler sounds pretty obtuse.
Pathirana definitely has wicket-taking abilities but when under the pump, he isn’t exactly the go-to bowler for Chennai Super Kings. On the flat Indian pitches, the trick of medium-pace might just not work for CSK.
#2 Consistency is a problem for Pathirana
Matheesa Pathirana may be extraordinary in a handful of matches but somehow the lack of consistency leaves him desiring for more. With that being said, the last edition of the tournament has proven that teams are more inclined to a stable consistent flurry of performances instead of a quizzical burst of brilliance. If one is splurging double figures for a bowler, consistency is one of the key aspects that they would be hoping for.
#3 CSK might just go for better options with the bat
Another challenge is that they might also be hoping to keep Ruturaj Gaikwad in the side considering the fact that he is being deemed as a raw talent.
With that being said, there can also be another toss up between Ravindra Jadeja and Maheesh Theekshana to bolster their bowling department. Going by this chronology, Pathirana drops down the order and shoots up the cumulative retention amount.
