Matheesha Pathirana, the Sri Lankan pacer for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has opened up about an emotional conversation with MS Dhoni that truly encapsulates the mentorship Dhoni has provided throughout his career. In a touching revelation shared by Pathirana’s father, the relationship between the two cricketers goes beyond just that of a captain and player—it’s one of deep trust and guidance.

Pathirana’s Early IPL Journey

Pathirana’s IPL journey was anything but ordinary. After going unsold in the 2022 auction, he was brought in as an injury replacement by CSK. Despite the late entry, the young bowler quickly became a fan favorite due to his unique slinging action and raw pace. His impressive performances in the 2023 season, where he picked up 19 wickets in 12 games, helped CSK clinch the IPL title that year, proving his worth in the squad.

His remarkable contributions were recognized, and ahead of IPL 2025, the Sri Lankan was retained by CSK for a significant ₹13 crore. His value to the team was clear, but it was his relationship with MS Dhoni that has left a lasting impression.

MS Dhoni’s Heartfelt Reassurance to Pathirana’s Father

In a video shared by CSK on their social media platforms, Pathirana’s father recalled a conversation he had with MS Dhoni that eased his worries about his son’s career. Dhoni’s words were simple but powerful:

“Don’t be afraid. I will see. I am with him. Don’t worry about your son, I will keep him.”

These comforting words from Dhoni were a testament to his protective nature and his commitment to guiding young talent.

For Pathirana’s father, Dhoni’s assurance provided immense relief and confidence, knowing that his son was under the mentorship of one of the game’s greatest captains.

Pathirana Considers Dhoni His Cricketing Father

For Matheesha Pathirana, MS Dhoni’s mentorship has been nothing short of life-changing. In the same video, Pathirana described Dhoni as a father figure in his cricketing career. He said,

“MS Dhoni is like my father because of the support, mentorship, and guidance he gave me in CSK. It’s very similar to what my father did for me.”

The bond they share goes beyond cricket, highlighting the importance of mentorship in the development of young players.

CSK’s IPL 2025 Campaign: Pressure Mounting

As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, Chennai Super Kings finds itself under pressure after a mixed start. They secured a win in their opening match against Mumbai Indians, but losses to Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals have raised questions about their consistency. MS Dhoni, despite his immense experience, has come under scrutiny for his strategic decisions in the last two matches.

The Super Kings will face the Delhi Capitals on April 5, and all eyes will be on Dhoni and his squad to see how they respond to the mounting pressure.

A Bright Future for Pathirana

Despite the early setbacks for CSK, Matheesha Pathirana’s future looks promising. With Dhoni’s guidance, he has the chance to further develop his skills and become a key player for the team. His journey from an injury replacement to one of the team’s most valuable bowlers is a testament to his hard work and the mentorship that has shaped his growth.

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