Dhoni is playing my father's role in cricket: Matheesha Pathirana

Chennai Super Kings’ ace paceman Matheesha Pathirana says MS Dhoni has played the role of a father in his cricketing career. The right-armer from Sri Lanka made his IPL debut in 2022 and has become a crucial member of the CSK unit.

This season, Pathirana has only featured in six games because of niggles but has still managed to take 13 wickets at an average of 13 and an economy of 7.68 despite bowling most of his overs at the death.

"After my father, in my cricket life, mostly he (Dhoni) is playing my father's role. He always takes care of me, and gives me some advice on what I have to do - similar to my father when I'm in my home," Pathirana said on CSK's Lions up close show on YouTube.

"I think that's enough. He's not telling a lot of things when I'm on the field and off the field. He's just telling me small things, but it makes a lot of difference, and it makes a lot of confidence for me. 

“At the moment, he knows how to maintain the players. Off the field, we don't talk much. If I have to ask something from him, definitely, I'd go to him and ask him."

Dhoni himself has been in superb hitting form this season, having scored 110 runs across eight innings at a strike rate of 229.16. He often comes out to bat in the last two overs, and has been dismissed only once in the ongoing season.

"Mahi bhai, if you can play one more season, please play with us - if I'm here (chuckles)," said Pathirana. 

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