Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is likely to release Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana ahead of IPL 2026, ESPNcricinfo reported.
The move comes despite CSK investing heavily in Pathirana—first signing him before IPL 2023 and retaining him for INR 13 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction.
Pathirana was one of CSK’s breakout stars during their 2023 title-winning campaign, taking 19 wickets with his trademark slingy action and 140-plus pace.
However, his promising rise has been hampered by recurring injuries, something former captain MS Dhoni had warned about early in his IPL journey.
A hamstring injury curtailed his 2024 season, and he also withdrew midway from the SA20 with Joburg Super Kings.
His 2025 IPL season delivered just 13 wickets in 12 matches, with an economy rate of 10.13, as CSK struggled to extract the same impact as before.
Head coach Stephen Fleming suggested that technical adjustments made by Sri Lanka Cricket, particularly to Pathirana’s release point, may have affected his effectiveness.
CSK, however, are expected to explore the possibility of buying him back at the Abu Dhabi auction on December 16, especially as they enter the auction with a large remaining purse after releasing several senior players.
The franchise has parted ways with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, while trading away Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson.
Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals, who will receive Jadeja and Curran as part of their own restructuring, have also made sweeping changes releasing Sri Lankan spin duo Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana ahead of IPL 2026.
Both players were high-profile signings at the 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, with Hasaranga bringing proven T20 pedigree and Theekshana offering control and variation.
They finished as joint highest wicket-takers for RR in the 2025 season, making their release particularly striking.
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