CSK vs GT: Matheesha Pathirana Plays For Chennai Super Kings Against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024 Match 7

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IPL 2024 CSK vs GT: Chennai Super Kings fans had yet another reason to get happy as one of CSK's match winners Matheesha Pathirana is making his comeback in the match against Gujarat Titans at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday (March 26).

Sri Lanka's young fast-bowling sensation Matheesha Pathirana linked up with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 in the past weekend, having recovered from a hamstring injury.

After the toss, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad informed that the young slinger will be featuring for the Yellow Army against the Shubman Gill-led side. Gaikwad said he too had intended to bowl first as the wicket at Chepauk looked firm and resembled the conditions of the opening match (against RCB).

Speaking about his team's performance, the Maharashtra cricketer said his team's start was a bit shaky (in the tournament opener), but they managed to recover nicely. Every player demonstrated a positive mindset throughout the innings. He further added that Pathirana, his team's equivalent of legendary Lasith Malinga, replaces compatriot Maheesh Theekshana for this match.

Mitchell Santner - the New Zealand spin-bowling all-rounder - also found a spot as CSK's Impact Sub-option in the game. CSK went with Rachin Ravindra, Daryll Mitchell, and Mustafizur Rahman as their first three choices in the playing eleven.

Pathirana, who played a key role in CSK's run to the title last season, suffered a grade 1 hamstring injury during the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh earlier this month.

The 21-year-old had limped out of the field during the 2nd T20I and missed the final game of the series. Pathirana, who claimed 19 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of 8 in CSK's title win last season, also missed the IPL 2024 opener against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

But in a major boost for the defending champions, the pacer has fully recovered and joined the CSK squad for the remainder of the IPL season. The young speedster was also seen training with the squad on Monday (March 25).

CSK used new recruit Mustafizur Rahman in Pathirana's absence and the Bangladesh pacer shined with figures of 4 for 29 in his 4 overs, which saw him bag the player of the match award against RCB on Friday (March 22).

The Super Kings, who are without the services of another key member of the title-winning team, Devon Conway, played Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mustafizur and Maheesh Theekshana as their four overseas player in the season opener.

Will Pathirana's return force Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK to change the playing 11 going into the clash against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Tuesday (March 26)? Or will CSK persist with the same foreign options? Here is a look at what CSK could do to their 11 vs GT:

Matheesha Pathirana plays for Chennai Super Kings against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024 Match 7

CSK are hosting GT in a rematch from last year's final but in a different backdrop as MA Chidambaram Stadium stages the match this time around. CSK had a big selection headache going into the game, in terms of the overseas slots, and the team management decided to bring in Patheerana as an impact substitute for the match.

Pathirana's return adds a big boost and he will share the new ball duties with Mustafizur, who shined on his CSK debut. It was unlikely that the Bangladesh pacer was going to be dropped from the playing 11 for tonight's match. Hence, Pathirana has replaced Theekshana.

Daryll Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra too held on to their slots due to their all-round ability. Tushar Deshpande, who was on the expensive side in the last match, once again finds a place in the playing eleven. While Shardul Thakur and Mukesh Choudhary will have to wait.

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Rachin Ravindra, Ajinkya Rahane, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sameer Rizvi, MS Dhoni(w), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman

Chennai Super Kings Subs: Matheesha Pathirana, Shardul Thakur, Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sindhu, Mitchell Santner.