Matheesha Pathirana, who has picked up 13 wickets in six games this season, did not play Chennai’s previous game against Punjab Kings on May 1 and was not named in the XI in the reverse fixture today (May 5) either.

While skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad did not mention why Pathirana missed out, a subsequent official statement from the Super Kings camp revealed the reason: “Chennai Super Kings pacer Matheesha Pathirana is nursing a hamstring injury and will be returning to Sri Lanka for further recovery.”

Pathirana has been a revelation since joining the side in 2022. He picked up 19 wickets last year at an average of 19.52, playing a pivotal role in Chennai’s run to the final.

CSK are already without Mustafizur, Chahar

Pathirana’s injury is the latest setback to the defending champions, who are also without Mustafizur Rahman and Deepak Chahar. While Mustafizur has flown back to Bangladesh for national duty to take part in the T20I series against Zimbabwe, Chahar is all but ruled out of the edition after he bowled only two deliveries against Punjab at Chepauk before hobbling off the ground.

The CEO of CSK had said: “Deepak’s injury is not looking good. I will not say he is ruled out of the season but doubtful.”

Pacers affected by injuries

It has not been a good few days for the quicks in the Indian Premier League. Lucknow Super Giants’ Mayank Yadav is also doubtful for this year’s competition.

After creating waves in the cricketing world for sending down a 156kmph delivery in just his second IPL game, Mayank missed five games on the trot due to an abdominal strain. He returned for Lucknow’s clash with Mumbai Indians on April 30 but walked out after 3.1 overs.

LSG head coach Justin Langer provided an update on him: “It’ll probably be difficult for him to get up for the back end of the tournament.”