IPL 2023: Kris Srikkanth marvels at 'second Malinga' and CSK pacer Matheesha Pathirana

Kolkata, April 24: Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth has been astonished with the ability of Chennai Super Kings' own 'second Lasith Malinga' - Matheesha Pathirana, whose slinging action is reminiscent of the Sri Lanka great.

Pathirana has become CSK's death-over specialist, having impressed in the three outings so far for Mahendra Singh Dhoni's side. In the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, the youngster held his nerve and conceded just 14 runs in the 18th and 20th overs.

The 20-year-old, who was already hailed in Sri Lanka as 'Podi (little) Malinga', "Mini Mali (Malinga's nickname was Mali), and now called, "Baby Malinga" by CSK fans, has lived up to the hype so far.

In fact, the youngster had caught the eye of MS Dhoni when he was still in his teens, but a failed NOC from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) delayed the move. Now, he is finally in CSK and has been delivering when called upon.

Pathirana is creating lots of buzz not just through his action but also for bowling in the right areas. Praising the youngster from Kandy, former India cricketer Srikkanth compared him with legendary Malinga.

MS Dhoni believes Matheesha Pathirana for CSK, Sri Lanka and Dasun Shanaka must do so

"This young bowler Pathirana is the second Malinga. He has a unique slinging action, clocks 140-plus consistently, and is very accurate. He also targets the right areas which makes him a dangerous bowler. Very good investment from CSK," Srikkanth said Star Sports' Cricket Live.

Earlier in 2022, when the young Lankan made his IPL debut coming in as replacement for injured Adam Milne, earned praise from the skipper Dhoni, who also called him 'our Malinga'.

"Our Malinga (Pathirana) is really good. It is difficult to pick him and he'll only definitely contribute next year...in a big way," said Dhoni during a post-match reaction last season.

Mithali Raj on brand new Rahane

Meanwhile, on Super Sunday (April 23), CSK thrashed Kolkata Knight Riders by 49 runs and registered a thumping win at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata to climb to the top of the team standings with 10 points.

Despite missing some key players due to injury, the MS Dhoni-led side has found match-winners in seasoned campaigner Ajinkya Rahane, who has taken IPL 2023 by storm with his explosive batting performances in his debut season for CSK.

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Former India cricketer Mithali Raj, an expert on Star Sports, hailed the Mumbaikar for reinventing his game at CSK after a few dud seasons as he looks to fit into the T20 format.

"Rahane has reinvented his game. He wanted to fit into the T20 format and that's why he changed his game. There has been no change in his shots but there has been a lot of change in his approach. This Rahane is looking brand new," Raj said.