Kohli’s sheer willpower in RCB’s match against CSK on March 28 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is truly something spectacular. This was especially showcased during the face-off against CSK’s sling-action bowler Matheesha Pathirana, which gave rise to a rather classic moment of the match. 

Pathirana unleashed a fiery bouncer that Kohli attempted to pull but mistimed, resulting in the ball striking his helmet. That match was anticipated to be a rollercoaster for the spectators. The first aid was on the scene immediately after the effect, and the Chepauk town diaphorically stared in shock. As luck would have it, Kohli was examined and allowed to proceed. 

Also Read: CSK vs RCB Watch: Intense moment between Khaleel Ahmed and Phil Salt, Virat Kohli on the other end

What did he do first? Easily hit a six over mid-deep. Even after sitting out, seeing knee-deep made him eye the crowd instead and send a message. Then he easily followed that up with a flat four-face, pushing a pass strike towards Kubler.

1st ball – 😮‍💨
2nd ball – 6️⃣

That’s what it’s like facing the GEN GOLD! ❤

Classy counter from #ViratKohli! 🙌🏻

Watch LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/MOqwTBm0TB#IPLonJioStar 👉 #CSKvRCB | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 3 & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/MzSQTD1zQc

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 28, 2025

Also Read: Watch: Viral video captures Kohli & Dhoni ahead of epic CSK vs. RCB clash at Chepauk

Fans all over went wild, screaming over the electrifying climate over the atmosphere brought by the already known former RCB captain and his sheer commanding Kohli. The effortless assault not only silenced all skeptics but also firmly established him as a performer with mounting pressure on him. Pathirana, who has that trademark yorker delivery, felt the full force of Kohli's aggression a rare experience in this high-stakes rivalry.

Chennai Super Kings bowling department has struck a huge blow before the match against RCB in Chennai at Chepauk Stadium. Csk won their opening encounter against Mumbai Indians by 4 wickets as it would have been a tricky chase if Rachin Ravindra hadn't been in the crease who finished the proceedings. In that very match Csk was missing their premium bowler Pathirana, who was ruled out in last year's IPL season due to a hamstring injury.

 It's been said that Pathirana is still in the recovery phase and may take time to recover, so he will be missing the second match against RCB which would be another exciting contest between these two teams.RCB would be using this advantage as they have not won in Chennai since the victory in 2008, its been 17 long years of wait which RCB try to rectify. 

Read More: IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans Match 9
Pathirana Ruled Out At Last Year's IPL
Sri Lankan young bowler Pathirana was bought as a replacement player in 2022, whose death over bowling was quite impressive and soon he was an integral part of the team. He has taken 34 wickets at an average of 17.41. Till then Pathirana has been on player for the Csk franchise. He played a crucial role in the 2023 victory triumph which was his first IPL trophy too. Everything was going on w for him but last year he struck with a hamstring injury in mid of the season. 

Since that, he has been in the recovery phase despite his injury, and Csk has retained him for 13 crores. It has been said that Pathirana is in the final stage of his recovery and requires a medical clearance certificate from the SLC board then only he would be able to take part in the league. Already Pathirana had missed the first game against Mumbai Indians and it was clearly seen that Csk was badly missing Pathirana at the death overs, where Deepak Chahar bashed Csk bowlers at the end. 
Stephen Fleming On Pathirana Comeback
CSK is having an important match against RCB, where Pathirana services would have been much important but it has been stated by coach Stephen Fleming that Pathirana has been ruled out against RCB, as he is still recovering from his injury.  Fleming portrayed both team's achievement and their complexity with each other.

Things change quite quickly. The RCB from last year and the CSK from last year are quite different. We don't look at all into past performances. Certainly looking at their team, Kohli is a big part of it, but they've got other strengths as well. With playing conditions always a factor in any game, the CSK head coach admitted that adaptability will be key as the team navigates different pitches throughout the tournament. Each pitch plays differently and one should be ready for every challenge. 

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.

ALSO READ: New Zealand vs Pakistan 5th T20I: Predicted Playing 11

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.

In the 2024 IPL edition, while the batters stole the show, it’s undeniable that the game was shaped by the impact of the ball. Amidst the high-scoring runs and memorable batting innings, some standout bowling performances significantly influenced the top-notch batting displays.

This article will delve into the top 5 bowling highlights of the 2024 IPL edition, shedding light on the bowlers who made a significant impact. 

1. Shahbaz Ahmed (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Rajasthan Royals- 3/23 

With Sunrisers Hyderabad, a team known for its strong batting attacks and high team scores, the absence of their prime-purchased spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, due to an injury was a significant blow. However, they managed to turn the tide in their Qualifier 2 match against the Rajasthan Royals, a crucial game that would determine their path to the final.

They relied on their part-time and all-rounder spinners to exploit the no-dew and turning pitch conditions. One such standout was Shahbaz Ahmed, who played a crucial role in scalping the Royals’ batting order wickets. With an economy of a mere 5.75 and having spin-handy support of Abhishek Sharma, they have triumphed a win over the Royals by 36 runs and made their way to their third IPL final. 

2. Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings) vs Mumbai Indians- 4/28

The Impact Player rule has been in action since the 2023 IPL edition, and it has stirred a lot of controversies among cricket fanatics and the experienced sports fraternity. Still, this bowling highlight is a prime example of how this rule changes the game’s dynamics.

When Chennai Super Kings set up a target of 207 against a swashbuckling Mumbai Indians batting order, Super Kings’ Pathirana displayed his pace skills and flummoxed Mumbai Indians batting order by scalping four wickets of just 28 runs, with a commendable economy of seven runs. This performance earned him the title of Man of the Match. 

3. Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad- 3/34

When the top Australian pacer, Mitchell Starc, was bought for a colossal INR 24.5 Crore, making him the most expensive player in the tournament’s history, many critics gave their words on the costly and unnecessary purchase.

But during the Qualifier-1 match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Starc proved his calibre of why he’s the best in the business with his crucial performance during the game by scalping major wickets of the robust Sunrisers Hyderabad batting lineup, by taking three wickets of just 34 runs, at an economy of 8.5, with the swing and pace with the new ball being the highlight. 

See Also: IPL 2024: Top 5 best batting highlights of IPL 2024

4. Mayank Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru- 3/14

IPL has been a breeding ground for young and emerging cricketing talent, domestic or foreign players. With this season witnessing several promising domestic talents, one such talent arises from the pace bowling department. Mayank Yadav is one of the elements of Lucknow Super Giants’ young-blooded and emerging bowling attack, where his bowling speed has done the talking.

His first-ever IPL delivery clocked at a fiery pace of 147 mph, with other deliveries clocking at 155.8 mph. The speed gun displayed his pace and wicket-taking abilities in his second IPL match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he had scalped three wickets at an astonishing economy of 3.5, leading the team to a 28-run win and earning his first-ever MOM award. Though his injury sidelined him for the majority of the season, he has a bright future ahead and is getting a chance to get his maiden international call. 

5. T Natarajan (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Delhi Capitals- 4/19 

Hailed as the Yorker King, T Natarajan has been a valuable asset for the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a long period and has been vital in scalping pivotal wickets. This match acts as one such instance. Giving a colossal target of 267 runs against a powerful batting order of Delhi Capitals, T Natarajan provided some unplayable deliveries.

He took a triple-wicket maiden over in his final over, summing up his quality pace attack. There is a noteworthy mention of T Natarajan being the team’s highest wicket-taker and the tournament’s fourth-highest wicket-taker (19 wickets). 

Chennai Super Kings have been dealt a significant blow as their death-bowling specialist, Matheesha Pathirana, has been forced to return to Sri Lanka to recover from a hamstring injury. This setback comes at a crucial juncture for the team as they navigate through the challenges of the IPL season.

Matheesha Pathirana’s Injury

Pathirana leaves a noticeable void in the CSK bowling lineup, particularly in the crucial death overs, where his expertise is invaluable. His ability to deliver under pressure has been a critical asset for the team, making his absence sorely felt on the field.

“Chennai Super Kings pacer Matheesha Pathirana is nursing a hamstring injury and will be returning to Sri Lanka for further recovery,” stated a media release from CSK.

See Also: Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: India will face Pakistan in Slyhet

Absence of Deepak Chahar

The situation is further compounded by the absence of Deepak Chahar, CSK’s powerplay specialist, who is also sidelined due to injury. Chahar’s early departure from the field in a previous match has left CSK grappling with limited options in their bowling department, adding to their woes.

CSK’s Remaining Bowling Options

With Pathirana and Chahar sidelined, CSK faces a challenge in managing their bowling resources effectively. The team will have to rely on alternative options to fill the void left by their key bowlers, with overseas recruit Richard Gleeson emerging as a pivotal figure in the lineup.

Pathirana’s Performance in IPL 2024

Despite his injury setbacks, Pathirana showcased his talent in the IPL 2024 season, significantly contributing to the team’s performance. In the six games he played, he claimed 13 wickets with an economy rate of 7.68, highlighting his importance to the CSK lineup.

Sri Lankan Fast Bowlers Sidelined in IPL

Pathirana’s injury adds to the woes of Sri Lankan fast bowlers in the IPL, with left-armer Dilshan Madushanka also ruled out for the season. The withdrawal of Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s premier leg-spinner, due to chronic heel pain further diminishes the presence of Sri Lankan players in the IPL.

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.

See Also: Starc expects T20 World Cup to have better balance without Impact Player rule

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.

Dwayne Bravo, the renowned West Indies all-rounder and current bowling coach of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since taking over the role from Laxmipathy Balaji in 2023, Bravo has played a pivotal role in enhancing the performance of CSK’s fast-bowling arsenal. After losing the important encounter against LSG in Lucknow by 8 wickets, CSK is now looking for perfect revenge in their den “chepauk” against LSG today. Before the clash, CSK’s bowling coach praised bowlers and provided some insights on training sessions.

Dwayne Bravo’s Impression of Matheesha Pathirana

One of the standout talents under Bravo’s guidance is Matheesha Pathirana, whom Bravo fondly calls “Baby Malinga” and “Baby Goat” owing to his remarkable resemblance to the legendary Lasith Malinga in both action and effectiveness. Pathirana’s innate ability and skill set have impressed Bravo, who believes that some players, like Pathirana, require minimal coaching due to their natural flair for the game.

See Also: IPL 2024: Player Analysis: How did Yuzvendra Chahal become a bonafide IPL legend?

“Pathirana is very special. I call him Baby Malinga. I also call him Baby Goat. He is not someone you try to coach because he has a natural ability and skill,” Bravo said, heaping praise on the Sri Lankan fast bowler.

Mustafizur Rahman’s Unique Skill Set

Bravo also lauds Mustafizur Rahman’s contributions, highlighting his unconventional bowling action and mastery of delivering slower balls. Rahman’s reputation for having one of the best slower balls in the world has made him a valuable asset for CSK. Bravo acknowledges the importance of empowering such players with knowledge and information rather than overwhelming them with excessive coaching.

“Fizz (Mustafizur) is also very special. He has a unique action. He has the reputation of having one of the best slower balls in the world. You don’t try to over-coach these players. You just empower them with knowledge, and information and try to keep it simple,” Bravo added.

Tushar Deshpande’s Performance

In addition to Pathirana and Rahman, Bravo expresses his admiration for Tushar Deshpande, whose consistent performances have caught the attention of both fans and experts alike. Deshpande’s growth and resilience on the field have earned him praise from Bravo, reflecting the coach’s keen eye for talent and dedication to nurturing it.

“Tushar, I am very very impressed with him. Especially last season and also this season. We said in our team meetings, we want to be the smartest bowling team in the competition. We see to it that we don’t repeat our mistakes. We have to be prepared for every scenario. We do drills, especially by keeping in mind the ground dimension. We practice with vision, with a purpose. When people look at us, they should see a plan, sometimes it doesn’t work, but most times, it will,” Bravo added.

CSK’s Strategy for Bowling Excellence

Under Bravo’s guidance, CSK aspires to be the epitome of bowling excellence in the IPL, aiming to outsmart their opponents with meticulous planning and execution. The team’s commitment to avoiding repetitive mistakes and preparing for every conceivable scenario underscores Bravo’s emphasis on strategic prowess and adaptability.

“You can’t last long without a yorker. If you look at players, who have had most of the success in T20 cricket, Lasith Malinga, Bumrah or Pathirana, myself when I played, we had a similar plan, try to bowl as many yorkers as possible,” he added.

Proficiency in Bowling Yorkers

Bravo emphasizes the significance of mastering the art of bowling yorkers, citing it as a crucial skill for bowlers in T20 cricket. Through focused coaching sessions, Bravo instils confidence in his bowlers, encouraging them to embrace the challenge and refine their yorker deliveries to perfection.

In the electrifying atmosphere of Wankhede Stadium, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) showcased strategic brilliance and execution to halt the resurgent Mumbai Indians (MI), securing a 20-run victory in the 29th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Match Overview: CSK vs MI, IPL 2024

Defending a competitive total of 206/4, Chennai managed to restrict Mumbai to 186/6. Despite an explosive start by MI, CSK’s bowlers pulled back brilliantly, with young Matheesha Pathirana making a significant impact.

See Also: IPL 2024: Pathirana powers CSK over MI at Wankhede

Mumbai Indians were off to a flying start, thanks to Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who brought up 50 runs in just five overs. This initial burst set a strong foundation, which was anticipated to steer MI towards an easy win.

Turning Point: Pathirana’s Key Overs

The game saw a dramatic turn when Pathirana took the ball. Dismissing Kishan and then Suryakumar Yadav in quick succession, he drastically shifted the momentum in favor of CSK. Matheesha Pathirana gave the hosts an almighty jolt. The Sri Lankan pacer dismissed Ishan Kishan in his first delivery, before sending Suryakumar Yadav back on a duck in his third.

Alongside Tilak Varma, Sharma built a 60-run third-wicket stand, but Pathirana delivered a thunderbolt for the third time in this match. Varma could not capitalise on the start he got off to, as he was dismissed when batting on 31.

Re-introduced in the bowling attack on the 17th over, Mustafizur Rahman dismissed Tim David, albeit he also conceded 19 runs in that over. Requiring 53 runs from the last three overs, Mumbai needed to go all guns blazing in the 18th over, albeit Pathirana had other plans. The 21-year-old completed a four-fer by dismissing Romario Shepherd, and conceded just six runs.

Rohit Sharma completed his century in the last over, and remained unbeaten on a 63-ball 105, albeit in ended in a winning cause as Mumbai could only reach 186/6.

CSK’s Batting Highlights: Gaikwad and Dube’s Partnership

Earlier, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube had set the stage with their crucial innings. Gaikwad’s 69 off 40 balls, coupled with Dube’s unbeaten 66, propelled CSK to a formidable total.

CSK could still manage only 48/1 in the Power-play. However, with both Gaikwad and Ravindra helping themselves to a four each off Akash Madhwal and the New Zealand opener carting Shreyas Gopal for a six with a clean swing over long-on, they completed fifty of their partnership for the second wicket off 36 balls.

Dube, who started with three fours off Pandya, slapped and pulled Romario Shepherd for two boundaries and then in the 14th over, Shepherd for back-to-back sixes, two superb efforts that were followed by a boundary off a short ball past the deep midwicket which left the fans delirious in the stands. Gaikwad then scythed a low full toss off his wrists for another boundary as the over cost Mumbai Indians 22 runs. Dube bought fifty off 28 balls.

Daryl Mitchell was out for 17 off 14 but Mahendra Singh Dhoni hammered Pandya for a hat-trick of sixes in the final over that cost 26 runs as CSK posted a par score of 206/4 in 20 overs. Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 66 off 36 balls while Dhoni finished on 20 not out off four deliveries as CSK set Mumbai Indians a target of 207.

IPL Points Table 2024

The cricket match between two powerhouse teams provided an electrifying display of skill, strategy, and suspense. As Pathirana’s deliveries caused mayhem, the game shifted momentum numerous times, culminating in a nail-biting finish.

Chennai Super Kings outplayed Mumbai Indians by 20 runs at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Despite Rohit Sharma’s impressive 105, Mumbai fell short of their 207-run target, finishing at 186/6. Matheesha Pathirana starred for Chennai, claiming four wickets.

See Also: Watch: Vintage Thala at Wankhede against MI

Early Game Dynamics: Setting the Stage

Ishan Kishan kick started the innings with a quick 23 off 15 balls, but his aggressive play led to an early departure as he was caught by Thakur off Pathirana. This early wicket set the stage for what was to become a dramatic innings. Immediately following, Suryakumar Yadav, walked in at No.3, only to be dismissed for a duck, further amplifying the pressure on the batting side.

Tilak Varma’s Crucial Knocks

Young Tilak Varma stepped up under pressure, striking a fluent 31 from 20 deliveries. His innings included some breathtaking shots, including a boundary through covers and a drilled four through midwicket. His performance brought some stability and much-needed runs to the scoreboard.

Pathirana’s Game-Changing Overs

Pathirana emerged as the key bowler, clinching crucial wickets at pivotal moments. His deliveries were a blend of tactical genius and execution, which saw the back of both opening and middle-order bats. Each wicket he took shifted the game’s momentum, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats.

End Game Thrills: A Captain’s Knock

The final overs were a roller-coaster as Rohit Sharma turned the heat up, smashing boundaries to bring up his century in style. His well-timed shots not only entertained the crowd but also steered his team towards a formidable total. The match concluded with CSK securing a 20-run victory, thanks in large part to Rohit’s heroics.

Sri Lankan cricketer Matheesha Pathirana’s regrettable shoulder injury has forced his withdrawal from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Despite his determined efforts to recuperate, he suffered the injury during warm-up matches. Pathirana managed to participate in two matches in the tournament, facing off against South Africa and Pakistan. Unfortunately, the gravity of the injury compelled him to exit the competition.

Matheesha Pathirana’s spot has been filled by Angelo Mathews

Former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews has been summoned to fill the vacancy left by Matheesha Pathirana. Pathirana’s inability to recover from a shoulder injury sustained during a warm-up match led to his exclusion from the tournament.

In compliance with the regulations, any replacement in the World Cup can only occur after approval by the Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. This procedure upholds fairness and the integrity of the competition. Teams are allowed to make alterations to their squad during the World Cup, but these changes must adhere to the criteria established by the cricket governing body.

See also:PCB Dismisses Reports of Dissatisfaction Within the Pakistan Team at the ICC World Cup 2023

The inclusion of Angelo Mathews bolsters Sri Lanka’s team. With his wealth of experience, having participated in 221 ODIs, and his familiarity with playing in India, he is poised to be a valuable all-rounder and a significant asset to the team.