IPL 2022: Chennai Super Kings sign Matheesha Pathirana as Adam Milne’s replacement
In a significant development, Chennai Super Kings have signed the young Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana as Adam Milne’s replacement for the rest of the season. The Kiwi pacer sustained a hamstring injury between the Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders during the season opener. Milne has been recovering from the injury since then. However, the right-arm pacer is now ruled out of the remainder of the IPL season, and CSK have signed a replacement.
Matheesha Pathirana is a young 19-year-old right-arm pacer known for his slinging action just like Lasith Malinga. He has represented Sri Lanka in U19 World Cup 2020 and 2022 editions. Meanwhile, Pathirana has only played a single List-A game alongside two T20 matches in his short career.
Matheesha Pathirana will be playing for Chennai Super Kings in #IPL2022.pic.twitter.com/DShfhNv6kD
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 21, 2022
Adam Milne’s injury is a big blow to the Yellow Army as they were already coping with the Deepak Chahar’s unavailability this season. Milne was supposed to lead the CSK’s attack with the new ball in the absence of Chahar, but the Kiwi got injured in the very first game of the season. He only bowled 2.3 overs in the game, spending 19 runs without a wicket before leaving the ground courtesy of an injury.
Moreover, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming was hopeful of the fellow countryman getting fit. But now, the pacer has been ruled out of the remaining season, and young Matheesha Pathirana has big shoes to fill for the four-time champions.
Chennai Super Kings are searching for their 2nd win of the season.
It has been a terrible season for the defending champions so far. While they have been hit by injury issues constantly, they haven’t been able to transpire consistent performances on the field. They currently sit 9th in the points table with only a single win and five losses after six matches.
They will next face the arch-rivals Mumbai Indians on Thursday and will be searching for the 2nd win of the season.
