Former Team India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) may face problems if Mathisha Pathirana is not available for the initial matches of IPL 2024. Pathirana took 19 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of 8.00 in IPL 2023 and was a specialist death bowler for the five-time champions.

The Sri Lankan fast bowler recently suffered a hamstring injury and was ruled out of the last match of the three-match T20 series against Bangladesh. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said that Pathirana’s exclusion could create some problems for CSK.

If Mathisha Pathirana is out then CSK’s problems will increase.

He said, “Pathirana is injured. There is no clarity on his availability but will his injury cause any problems to Chennai Super Kings? They may have a bit of a problem because Pathirana is their leading bowler in the death overs.” During this, Chopra also admitted that the defending champions have other options for death bowling.

But the former India opener believes that the unorthodox fast bowler may be missed. Chopra said, “However, now they have Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar is already there. He got a lot of bowling done by Mahesh Teekshana in the death overs, but he may feel the absence of Mathisha Pathirana a bit.”

CSK have Mustafizur Rahman as another overseas seam-bowling option. If Pathirana is not available then the left-arm pacer from Bangladesh will probably be included in the playing XI as he can also bowl well in the death overs.