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Matheesha Pathirana (Image Credit : BCCI/IPL)
Adam Milne, who got injured ahead of Chennai's game against Lucknow, has been ruled out of the ongoing Indian T20 League 2022. Milne had suffered a hamstring injury ahead of the game and missed out on all the games for the team. He is now replaced by Matheesha Pathirana from Sri Lanka, who has represented his country in the 2020 and 2022 U19-World Cups.
Pathirana first made his name during the 2020 edition when he recorded a speed of 175 kmph. This incident happened in the game against eventual finalists, India. However, it was later found out that there was a technical problem with the speed guns. Notably, the experts stated that it is impossible for a human to bowl at such a pace.
Meanwhile, Pathirana played 16 Youth ODIs for the island nation from 2020 to 2022. The right-arm bowler has 17 scalps to his name, averaging 24.52 at an economy rate of 5.35. He is a decent batter down the order and can play a few cameos. Apart from this, the 19-year-old has played two T20s and one List A game.
Imagine how long this action would have lasted in the more regimented world of cricket coaching in this country ... 17-year-old Matheesha Pathirana on his way to 6 for 7 on his debut for @TrinityColKandy in Sri Lanka ... pic.twitter.com/VO4gBPtmY0
— Martin Williamson (@mogodonman) September 27, 2019
He has two wickets to his name in T20s but is yet to pick a wicket in List A. To be noted, the Kandy-born player bowls emulates the action of Sri Lanka legend Lasith Malinga. Pathirana was part of the Chennai set up as a net bowler last year.
It will be interesting to see whether he gets a game or not. The Yellow Brigade is struggling in the pace bowling department in the absence of Deepak Chahar and Adam Milne. Chahar got injured ahead of the tournament and won't participate in the ongoing season.
Apart from Dwayne Bravo, pacers such as Tushar Deshpande and Mukesh Choudhary are still trying to find a feet at this level. The four-time winners have won only won one game out of six they have played.