Chennai Super Kings rookie fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana feels MS Dhoni is very successful because he is humble. CSK lifted their fifth IPL trophy in the 2023 season and Dhoni once again played a massive role as a leader. Dhoni confirmed that he wants to play another season because of the fans, who turned up in big numbers to watch him in action.
Chennai defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets (DLS method) after Ravindra Jadeja smashed a six and a four on the last two balls against Mohit Sharma.
Dhoni played a key role in adding the finishing touches for CSK as he scored 104 runs in 12 innings at a blistering strike rate of 182.45 in IPL 2023.
On the other hand, Pathirana flowered under the captaincy of MS Dhoni in his debut IPL season. The Sri Lankan fast bowler scalped 19 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 19.52 and an economy rate of eight. Pathirana was able to deliver the goods while bowling in the death overs.
“As a youngster, if someone gives you confidence like that, it boosts your career. A player of that level showed faith in me and I believed I can do anything in that moment. Not only me, Dhoni gave confidence to all of us.
“There were 4-5 top players who were injured and he showed his trust in youngsters, which was great,” Pathirana quoted.
Meanwhile, Pathirana is currently playing for Colombo Strikers in Lankan Premier League and he is the joint-highest wicket-taker with 12 scalps.
The youngster added he learned a lot from MS Dhoni and showered praise on the veteran’s fitness.
“I learned a lot from Dhoni. The first thing is humbleness and that’s why he is very successful. He is 42 and still the fittest cricketer, which is really inspiring,” he stated.
The 20-year-old gave credit to CSK’s team management for getting the best out of him in his maiden season and guiding him on the right track.
“When I went there, I was a kid and no one knew me and they trained and taught me several things. Now, I know how to perform in any T20 game and how to balance my four overs in a match.” shared Pathirana.
