CSK vs RCB: Matheesha Pathirana 'is chucker', RCB fans calls bowling action illegal after stunning spell by Sri Lankan

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RCB vs CSK: Matheesha Pathirana turned the tide for Chennai Super Kings with a brilliant spell against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but his action has now come under fire from opposition fans during IPL 2025.

The Sri Lankan pacer was the architect of RCB's middle-order collapse on Saturday, claiming three crucial wickets and delivering when it mattered the most. But while CSK fans were quick to change their stance and heap praise on the bowler after initially trolling him for a dropped catch in a comical collision with Ravindra Jadeja, RCB fans weren't impressed.

In fact, social media erupted in criticism over Pathirana's slingy bowling action, with many accusing him of "chucking". Several fans went as far as tagging the BCCI, IPL and ICC to "ban" the bowler, calling his action "illegal" and "fraudulent."

Earlier in the match, Pathirana had been the centre of ridicule from his own supporters after he failed to complete a straightforward catch that resulted in a collision with Jadeja. The moment went viral as CSK supporters vented their frustration online. However, the mood changed dramatically once he came on to bowl.

Pathirana dismissed Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar and Jordan Cox in a fiery spell that pegged back RCB after a solid start. With clever slower deliveries and yorkers, the Lankan quick conceded just 30 runs in 3.5 overs. His execution was key in choking RCB's death overs scoring rate after they were cruising towards 220.

But that success didn't sit well with the RCB faithful. Twitter/X was soon flooded with posts targeting Pathirana's action. One user wrote, "This fraud Pathirana bowling action should be seriously monitored." Another tagged cricket authorities and pleaded, "@BCCI @IPL @ICC please ban this Pathirana. How can you even let a bowler with such an illegal action play this sport?"

Another angry fan posted, "Pathirana fraud bowling, that action should be banned. That's not bowling." The volume of criticism escalated through the innings. "Pathirana is a clear chucker! @ChennaiIPL shame on you," said one RCB supporter, while another commented, "Serious doubt is how Pathirana qualified as a bowler. Whenever he wishes, he can throw the ball like anything."

Some compared his release to a throw, with posts like "Pathirana right arm fast chucking" trending among RCB supporters. Interestingly, Matheesha Pathirana's bowling action had previously come under scrutiny for suspected chucking, prompting the young pacer to undergo a remodeling process.

While fresh concerns have surfaced with some calling for a ban, it's important to note that his current action has been cleared and falls within the legal limits defined by the ICC. However, his Lasith Malinga-like slingy action often polarizes fans, especially when he performs in high-stakes games.

With the IPL entering a crucial phase, the chatter around Pathirana's action is unlikely to die down soon, especially if he continues to deliver match-defining spells for CSK.