"In my cricket life, MS Dhoni plays my father's role" Pathirana opens up about CSK legend

MS Dhoni’s impact on cricket transcends boundaries, with his mentorship leaving an indelible mark on budding talents worldwide. Renowned for nurturing young cricketers, Dhoni’s influence extends from the Indian national team to the Indian Premier League (IPL), particularly with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he has led the team to a record 5 titles.

Since assuming the Indian captaincy in 2007, Dhoni has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of Indian stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Under his astute leadership, CSK has witnessed the transformation of talents like Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja into cricketing luminaries.

“He takes care of me, and he gives me advice on what I have to do…”

However, Dhoni’s impact is not confined to Indian players alone. Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana stands as a testament to Dhoni’s keen eye for talent. Discovered by Dhoni during his stint with CSK in 2022, Pathirana made his national debut the same year, thanks to Dhoni’s guidance and support.

“After my father, in my cricket life, he (Dhoni) plays my father’s role. He takes care of me, and he gives me advice on what I have to do, similar to my father’s thing when I’m at my home. I think that’s enough,” said Pathirana.

“He doesn’t tell me a lot of things when I’m on the field and off the field, but he tells just small things that make a lot of difference and gives me a lot of confidence. He knows how to maintain the players. Off the field, we don’t talk much, but if I have to ask something from him, definitely I’d go to him and ask him,” Pathirana said further.

Pathirana’s impact upon the team

In a heartfelt interaction with CSK on their official YouTube channel, Pathirana expressed his profound gratitude towards Dhoni, hailing him as a father figure in his cricketing journey. Dhoni’s unwavering support has been instrumental in Pathirana’s development and success.

Pathirana’s contributions to CSK’s triumphs in the IPL are undeniable. In the previous edition, he played a pivotal role, claiming 19 wickets in 12 matches as CSK secured their fifth title. This season, Pathirana continues to shine, having already taken 13 wickets in six matches, placing him among the top contenders for the coveted Purple Cap.

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Dhoni’s legacy as a mentor and leader continues to inspire young cricketers globally, showcasing the profound impact of his mentorship beyond the boundaries of nations and leagues.