The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made one of their boldest decisions ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction, releasing Matheesha Pathirana, popularly known as 'Baby Malinga'. The Sri Lankan speedster, who once redefined death bowling in yellow, is now at a crossroads in his career.
From Rising Star to Injury Struggles
Pathirana burst onto the IPL scene in 2022, before becoming a household name in 2023 when he took 19 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of just 8.00. His lethal yorkers and composure in the death overs helped CSK lift their fifth IPL title, earning him instant stardom. Even MS Dhoni had praised him publicly, urging Sri Lanka Cricket to manage his workload carefully if they wanted him to have a long, successful career.
In IPL 2024, Pathirana looked even sharper, claiming 13 wickets in just six matches before a hamstring injury cut his season short. Despite that, CSK retained him for a massive ₹13 crore before the next auction, proof of the franchise’s faith in their Sri Lankan gem.
A Downward Turn
But the following seasons didn’t go as planned. After his IPL injury in 2024, Pathirana also withdrew midway from the SA20 tournament. In IPL 2025, fitness issues persisted. Although he managed to play 12 matches, his effectiveness dipped, picking up just 13 wickets with an economy rate above 10.
To counter his recurring injuries, Pathirana even tweaked his bowling action, raising his release point slightly to reduce strain. However, many experts believe this change made him less deceptive, taking away the slingy edge that once made him so hard to face.
Why CSK May Have Let Him Go
Another factor behind CSK’s decision could be Nathan Ellis. The Australian pacer has been in sensational form, finishing as the highest wicket-taker in the recent India vs Australia T20I series, and leading Hobart Hurricanes to the BBL title as captain last season. With Ellis emerging as a reliable death bowler, CSK may have decided to prioritize him as their overseas pace option.
A Possible Return on the Cards
All said, it might not be the end of Pathirana’s journey with CSK. Reports suggest the franchise is open to buying him back at a lower price during the auction. For fans, the hope remains that Baby Malinga will roar again in yellow: fitter, faster, and ready for redemption.
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