A heartwarming story of mentorship has emerged in the IPL 2024. Young Sri Lankan bowler, Matheesha Pathirana, has showered praise on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend MS Dhoni, crediting him for being a “father figure” in his cricketing career.
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Pathirana’s debut and Dhoni’s influence
Pathirana’s upward push to prominence began under MS Dhoni in the IPL 2022 season. Since then, he has become a core member of the CSK bowling attack. The influence of the legendary “Captain Cool” on the improvement of Matheesha Pathirana was undeniable.
Unlike some mentors who bombard young players with complicated advice, Dhoni’s approach is refreshingly simple. Pathirana found that Dhoni specializes in presenting the ‘little things’ – confidence-boosting indicators that make a huge difference in his performance.
WHOLESOME 🥺🤌💛🫶💛🫶💛
MS DHONI 🫂 MATHEESHA PATHIRANA
pic.twitter.com/sUh56ClulI— Its_Me_Maxeyyy 🕶 (@maxeyyy_tweets) May 4, 2024
On CSK’s Lions Upclose show Matheesha Pathirana said, “After my father, in my cricket life, mostly he’s playing my father’s role. Because he always takes care of me and he gives me some advice on what I have to do. Similar to my father’s thing when I’m doing in my home. I think that’s enough. He’s not telling a lot of things when I’m in the field and off the field. He’s just telling small things, but it makes a lot of difference and it makes a lot of confidence for me. So, these little things, I took a lot of confidence and at the moment he knows how to maintain the players. Off the field, we don’t talk much if I have to ask something from him. Definitely, I’d got to him and ask him.”
This supportive bond goes beyond the field. While Pathirana won’t be constantly seeking Dhoni’s advice, he knows the veteran skipper is always there for him. “We don’t talk much off the field, if I needed to ask him something. I would definitely visit him and ask him,” he said.
Pathirana’s gratitude for Dhoni’s mentorship goes beyond mere words. Currently, the 21-year-old is the third highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024, having scalped 13 wickets in just 6 matches. This amazing performance is an echo of his extra special 2023 season in which he took 19 wickets in 12 matches.
Pathirana is keen to maintain his stellar form and take CSK to the playoffs. Currently, CSK is in the 5th place with 10 points after 10 matches. His determination is evident in his sincere wish for Dhoni to play another season. “Mahi bhai, if you could play one more season, play with us. If I am here,” he pleaded.
MS Dhoni’s substantial experience and tremendous leadership qualities are proving invaluable to Pathirana’s growth. This bond not only favours Pathirana but also boosts CSK’s regular overall performance.
