17-year-old Kugadas Mathulan impresses MS Dhoni and joins CSK camp ahead of IPL 2024
Kugadas Mathulan has yet to feature for the national side.
The defending champions of IPL 2024, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have discovered another quality fast bowler from Sri Lanka. The 17-year-old Kugadas Mathulan, with his incredible talent and skill, caught the eyes of legendary MS Dhoni.
The CSK captain was so impressed with the youngster that he immediately asked the franchise to invite the bowler to their pre-season camp in Chennai. The Yellow Army is preparing for their title defense at the ground from the beginning of this month. Sri Lanka’s new wonder boy, Kugadas Mathulan is yet to feature at the highest level.
But his viral video, during a state-level game between St. John’s College and Jaffna Central College recently, spreads like wildfire. In that video, the right-arm fast bowler with his slingy action, delivered a toe-crashing yorker. The batter had no idea of playing the ball, and was deceived totally. The ball went on to break the middle stump.
Interestingly, his action is similar with another Sri Lanka legend Lasith Malinga, and CSK’s new find Matheesha Pathirana. At the moment Kugadas is present in Chennai, and bowling in their nets.
“Mathulan bowls with a slingy action, and we thought it would be good for us to have him and practice. We normally get bowlers of different varieties during practice, and he is one of them.” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan told Sports Now.
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Matheesha Pathirana may miss first few games
Less than a week ahead of the upcoming IPL 2024, the five-time champions were left with the injury news of Matheesha Pathirana. He suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain on his left leg during the second T20I at Sylhet against Bangladesh. He could be unavailable for the initial couple of games.
Pathirana was a vital member of the Super Kings last year. He picked up 19 wickets in 12 games at an economy of 8.01. The slinger was fantastic with his slower deliveries during the death overs to fox the opponents.
The reigning champions will also miss their star opener Devon Conway. The left-handed Kiwi batter is sidelined for a couple of months due to surgery on his injured thumb. Chennai will host the IPL 2024 opener on March 22 against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
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