As CSK’s first-choice death bowler, Matheesha Pathirana took 19 wickets in 12 games, four of them in two playoff matches, as CSK won the title and he became the youngest overseas player to win an IPL trophy68. His career-best spell of 3/17 against Mumbai Indians saw him being awarded the Player of the Match6.
In IPL 2024, though a hamstring injury restricted him to only six games, Matheesha Pathirana continued to live up to his image as a deadly death-overs spec ialist, taking 13 wickets at a strike rate of 1368. His best bowling figures in the season were 4/28 against Mumbai Indians. CSK’s woes in his absence proved his worth to the team.
Prior to IPL 2025, Matheesha Pathirana was retained by CSK at a whopping ₹13 crore, depicting his increasing importance57. However, 2025 witnessed a decline in return, with Pathirana having taken 7–9 wickets in 7–8 games at a costlier economy rate of over 8, as batsmen started getting accustomed to his nature and a small alteration in his bowling action had an impact on his consistency.
Bowling Style and Impact
Pathirana’s unorthodox slingy action, toe-crushing yorkers, and misleading pace make him a death overs force to be reckoned with 45. His pressure bowling and ability to provide match-changing breakthroughs have won him admiration from CSK captain MS Dhoni and coaches. His action, nonetheless, has necessitated cautious handling so as not to get injured and lose accuracy.
Career Stats Snapshot (IPL 2022–2025)
| Season | Matches | Wickets | Best Figures | Economy Rate | Notable Achievements |
| 2022 | 2 | 2 | 2/24 | 7.61 | IPL debut |
| 2023 | 12 | 19 | 3/17 | 7.68 | IPL title, playoffs hero |
| 2024 | 6 | 13 | 4/28 | 7.68 | Best strike rate, injury |
| 2025 | 7–8 | 7–9 | 3/36 | 8.46 | Retained for ₹13 crore |
International Career
Pathirana made his Sri Lanka T20I debut in August 2022 and soon became a permanent fixture in white-ball teams. He has taken 19 wickets in 12 T20Is at 15.53, with a four-wicket haul against India. He was also included in Sri Lanka’s 2024 T20 World Cup team.
Challenges and Evolution
Matheesha Pathirana struggled in 2025 as batters started to read his plans more effectively and a slight action tweak disrupted his rhythm. CSK’s coaching team consisting of Eric Simons and Stephen Fleming have urged Pathirana to continue to develop his tactics in order to remain competitive in the IPL.
Legacy and Future
At 21, Matheesha Pathirana has already become one of the most thrilling death bowlers of the IPL and a regular feature for CSK. It’s a story of his hard work, talent, and the trust placed in him by the Chennai franchise that has taken him from being a relative unknown Sri Lankan pacer to an ₹13 crore IPL sensation.
