Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might be in trouble for IPL 2025 as their key pacer, Matheesha Pathirana, could miss the entire season due to injury for the IPL 2025 season. His absence would be a big blow to CSK’s bowling attack.

Led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK started their campaign on a high note with a four-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, March 23. However, losing Pathirana could make things tougher for them as the tournament progresses. However, many fans were surprised that Pathirana wasn’t part of the playing XI for the opening match. On the Cheeky Cheeka YouTube channel, the anchor discussed the reason behind Pathirana’s absence. He mentioned that the pacer has returned to his old bowling action and could be dealing with an injury. There’s even a possibility that he might miss the entire season.

Matheesha Pathirana might be out for the season pic.twitter.com/w9HgCaVWoq

— 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐨 (@SergioCSKK) March 24, 2025

"He has gone back to his old action. It’s unusual for CSK to retain a player for ₹13 crores and not play him in the first game. We have to wait and see if it’s due to an injury. I’ve heard that he is injured and might be out for the season, but I’m not sure how true that is. There are always rumors around the IPL, so we can’t confirm anything until there’s an official update," the anchor said.

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Pathirana, one of CSK’s key bowlers in recent seasons, wasn’t part of the playing XI, and the team hasn’t shared the reason for his absence. Instead, they went with Noor Ahmad, Rachin Ravindra, Sam Curran, and Nathan Ellis as their four overseas players. Khaleel Ahmed bowled well, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs. Noor Ahmad, CSK’s ₹10 crore signing, was outstanding, picking up 4 wickets for just 18 runs.