Matheesha Pathirana’s journey to the Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most unique and inspiring stories in modern cricket. The young Sri Lankan pacer, often called the “next Malinga,” gave up a future in music and academics to pursue cricket—and today, he plays for one of the most iconic IPL teams, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), under the legendary MS Dhoni.
Born Into Music, Destined for Cricket
Pathirana hails from a family of musicians in Kandy, Sri Lanka. His father Anura and mother Shailika are both trained vocalists, and Matheesha himself is a certified pianist and singer. He even once dreamt of becoming a pilot, driven by his mother’s aspirations and his love for travel.
But destiny had different plans.
Cricket Took Over, Thanks to School Seniors
Interestingly, Pathirana’s first love in sports wasn’t cricket—it was baseball. It wasn’t until 7th grade that his school seniors noticed his natural bowling ability and urged him to join cricket practice. From there, the transition was quick, but not without hurdles. His mother recalls, “He promised to study if he wanted to play cricket. He said yes, but never touched books!”
Despite his academic disinterest, cricket began to consume him. His unique bowling action caught early attention, and coaches, instead of changing it, helped refine it. Comparisons with Lasith Malinga came naturally. “People kept saying my action is like Malinga. That’s when I thought maybe I should bowl like him,” said Matheesha.
The Turning Point: Chennai Super Kings & MS Dhoni
Pathirana’s talent got the attention of Chennai Super Kings, and that’s where his story took a magical turn. Under the mentorship of “Thala” MS Dhoni, Matheesha flourished. Dhoni not only saw potential in the young pacer but nurtured him like a younger brother.
CSK treated him like family, giving him confidence and guidance. For Matheesha, Dhoni is not just a captain but a “real God” and “father figure.” The bond is visible every time he takes the field wearing yellow.
Sacrifices Behind the Success
Matheesha’s two elder sisters often jokingly say they treated him like a “lab rat” while growing up, testing things on him. From being the youngest in a family focused on music and studies to now representing Sri Lanka and CSK on global stages, his journey has been anything but ordinary.
Final Word
Matheesha Pathirana’s story isn’t just about cricket. It’s about sacrifice, passion, and the impact of strong mentorship. From skipping school books to follow his dreams, from piano keys to cricket balls—this is a tale that proves talent shines when guided the right way.
For CSK fans and cricket lovers, he’s not just another player. He’s the future—and MS Dhoni’s perfect apprentice.
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