'MS Dhoni is like my father' - Star CSK player expresses his gratitude to former CSK skipper

Back in 2022, Chennai Super Kings landed a bowler from Sri Lanka named Matheesha Pathirana, a 19-year-old young bowler from Kandy, Sri Lanka. In the next season, Pathirana showed what he is capable of with his sling bowling action. For the sling bowling action and pinpoint yorkers, Pathirana has earned the nickname 'Baby Malinga.' The 'Baby Malinga' is a mare MS Dhoni fan; for him and his mother, Dhoni is like a father figure. 

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Chennai Super Kings recently (April 4) shared a documentary video from their social media account about how the Pathirana family got recognition for cricket, especially for Chennai Super Kings and their former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Pathirana's mother said in this video, "No words about Dhoni. Really (like) God. Matheesha, how he respects (his) father, like that (he shows) respect to Dhoni."

Pathirana almost said the same as his mother, "Dhoni is like my father because of the support and the mentorship and the guidance he is giving me when I'm in CSK... I consider Dhoni my cricketing father."

It is now well known that it was MS Dhoni who asked CSK management to rope in the Sri Lankan fast bowler. Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction, CSK retains the speedster for Rs 13 crore. 

Pathirana has not been in prime form in IPL 2025

In the ongoing IPL 2025, Pathirana has taken 4 wickets in 2 matches, though the 5-time champion side needs to get back on the winning track as they suffered back-to-back defeats after a victorious season opener match against Mumbai Indians. CSK will lock horns against Delhi Capitals on April 5 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

CSK are gearing up to face Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 5 at   MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Currently, CSK are in a dire situation as they are currently placed 8th in the points table whereas the DC are placed second on the points table. DC have looked formidable in both the games that they played so far in IPL 2025