Former Indian batter Abhinav Mukund has questioned Chennai Super Kings’ decision to release Matheesha Pathirana ahead of IPL 2026. The Sri Lankan bowler was doing a decent job for the five-time champions but he was surprisingly released by the franchise.
Pathirana has scalped 47 wickets in 32 IPL matches at an average of 21.62 and economy rate of 8.68. The fast bowler scalped 13 wickets in six matches in IPL 2024 whereas he took 19 wickets in 12 matches in IPL 2023 for CSK.
Pathirana was bagged by KKR in IPL 2026 auction but he is currently recovering from an injury. The three-time champions haven’t named any replacement for him yet.
Mukund said CSK looked a bit confused in the auction while picking their bowling attack.
He said on ESPN Cricinfo, “I felt they were a little bit confused in the auction – what type of bowler they needed. If they’re going on these sort of flat pitches and, I’m thinking that this is something they wanted for a long time, they don’t have defensive bowlers. Matt Henry is purely a new-ball specialist. He does get hit at the death.
“I know it’s very difficult with injuries, but now you’ve got into a situation where you either play Matt Henry or Akeal Hosein. Both are powerplay options, where you’ve got Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj and Noor Ahmad to fill in. You are essentially playing three bowlers every single game, which is why, for me, Pathirana’s release felt a little bit shocking. They’ve invested so much in Pathirana.”
On the other hand, former South African captain Faf du Plessis reckons CSK would have released Pathirana because of injury woes.
“In terms of Pathirana, I think the injury concern around him for a period of time now becomes a real red flag. You bank on someone when you’re paying him so much money as a full season player. And once again, he’s injured before the tournament.”
CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals, at Guwahati on 30th March.
