IPL 2022: CSK sign Matheesha Pathirana as Adam Milne's replacement for rest of the season

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana as a replacement for New Zealand pacer Adam Milne. The Kiwi sustained a hamstring injury during the team’s first match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and was recovering since then. However, he has now been ruled out of the remainder of the season as CSK’s injury-ridden IPL campaign continues.

Matheesha is a 19-year-old young medium pacer who played in the U19 World Cup for Sri Lanka in the 2020 and 2022 editions. He is known for his slinging action just like Lasith Malinga. However, he has only played 1 List A and 2 T20 matches picking two wickets in the shortest form of the game.

Adam Milne getting ruled out in the latest blow for CSK after Deepak Chahar who has already been out of IPL 2022 after sustaining a back injury while recovering from quadriceps injury. He played only one match for CSK this season and went wicketless while conceding 19 runs in 2.3 overs. Moreover, CSK coach Stephen Fleming was hopeful of the pacer getting fit and had stated a few days ago that he could be regain his fitness soon. But things don’t seem to have gone as per plan for the four-time champions.

CSK have lost five out of six matches in IPL 2022

The ongoing IPL season hasn’t gone as per plan for CSK. They have lost five out of six matches so far and their bowling has suffered a lot as well. With Deepak Chahar, their pace spearhead, getting injured and ruled out without playing a game has certainly played a part in their poor show while the batting has not clicked consistently either.

They are scheduled to face Mumbai Indians (MI) in their 7th match of the season on April 21 (Thursday) and the Men in Yellow will have to return to winning ways soon. Matheesha Pathirana is expected to join the team soon now but will have to complete mandatory quarantine to enter the bio-bubble as well.