Playing for CSK is a gift from God for me, not many people knew me before that: Matheesha Pathirana

Team India is all set to take on Sri Lanka in a six-match white-ball series, including three T20Is and ODIs each. India will be led by Suryakumar Yadav in the shortest format, whereas Rohit Sharma will take the charge for the side in the ODI matches. 

The series will be the first one under new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The Indian players underwent their first practice session under Gambhir in Pallekele on Tuesday. With Rohit, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja retired from T20Is, the Men in Blue will field a relatively young lineup in the shortest format. 

Ahead of the series, star Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana expressed confidence in his team's ability and highlighted the importance of the upcoming assignment, especially after a disappointing T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA last month.

”I think it will be a good challenge. India is coming with a new coach and some new players; their combination will be slightly different. But it will be a good challenge for us because they are world champions,” Pathirana was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

“We have a very good side and a lot of talent and potential. Unfortunately, we didn’t do well in the T20 World Cup. But if we can win this series, it will be a confidence booster for the next three years,” he added.

Got those chances and got selected for Sri Lanka’s main team: Matheesha Pathirana

It is worth noting that Pathirana is just 21 years old, but even at such a tender age, he has made quite some name for himself. He credited CSK for being able to do that.

“After my under-19s, I was not in any squads in Sri Lanka. But since my debut for CSK, I got those chances and got selected for Sri Lanka’s main team. Playing for CSK is a gift from God for me. Until I played for CSK, not many people knew me. Sharing the dressing room with Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) is very special for youngsters like me, especially coming from Sri Lanka,” Pathirana said.