MS Dhoni uses him like a remote control, Pathirana does what Dhoni wants: Murali Karthik

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Thursday, April 27. CSK are currently leading the IPL 2023 points table with five wins in seven games and will look to retain their position. RR, on the other hand, are slotted at number three and will be hoping for a victory over the table toppers, whom they defeated in their first meeting this season. 

Ahead of the clash, former India spinner Murali Kartik suggested that CSK would decide to use Mitchell Santner in place of Maheesh Theekshana. He then praised Matheesha Pathirana, a young seamer, stating that he bowls effectively at the death. He also said that Pathirana is doing well under the leadership of CSK skipper MS Dhoni. He further stated that Dhoni is using him like a remote control, and the bowler is doing whatever the captain wants.

“Mitchell Santner could replace Theekshana if he does at all. Pathirana is a seam bowler, he bowls really well in death overs. He's emerging really well under MS Dhoni. Dhoni uses him like a remote control, and Pathirana does what Dhoni wants. So, I won't replace Pathirana,” Kartik told Cricbuzz. 

Santner bowls good against any batter in any situation: Karthik

The former cricketer pointed out that seam bowling is a weak link for the four-time IPL champions. The 46-year-old lauded young bowler Akash Singh, stating he has performed well so far this season. He further added that there is no better batter among bowlers than Santner, and he wanted the Kiwi to be included in the lineup. He did, however, agree that Dhoni views the game differently. 

“Seam bowling is a weak link for CSK. Akash Singh has done well, he bowled four back-to-back overs in the previous game. From the first day, I've been saying that Mitchell Santner bowls good against any batter in any situation. There's no better batter among bowlers than Santner. And he's a gun fielder, his arm movement is brilliant. So, for me, there's a case for his inclusion. But then, MS looks at the game differently,” he added.