Who is Matheesha Pathirana? SL pacer dubbed 'next Malinga' joins CSK as Milne replacement

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) anunced on Thursday that ir fast bowler Adam Milne will miss IPL 2022 season owing to a hamstring injury. Milne will longer be a part of CSK's squad for ongoing edition of cash-rich event, according to a statement released by team. Milne made his season debut on March 26 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He's been warming bench for CSK since n.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have also anunced that Sri Lankan pacer Maesha Pathirana will replace Adam Milne in squad for remainder of season.

"Chennai Super Kings fast bowler Adam Milne has been ruled out of IPL 2022 due to a hamstring injury. Milne, who was picked up by Super Kings in player auction for IPL 2022, played first game of season against Kolkata Knight Riders. Sri Lanka’s Maesha Pathirana replaces Milne for rest of season," CSK wrote in its statement. 

Who is Maesha Pathirana?

19-year-old pacer was part of Sri Lanka's youth squad that took part in 2022 ICC U-19 World Cup in West Indies earlier this year. He played four matches for his side in this year's World Cup and picked seven wickets. Pathirana was also part of Sri Lanka's youth team for 2020 U-19 World Cup. Pathirana's bowling style, which is similar to that of fellow countryman Lasith Malinga, has led to comparisons with great pacer.

During 2021 edition of Indian Premier League, which was hosted in United Arab Emirates (UAE), uncapped Sri Lankan was a reserve player for Chennai Super Kings. Before start of IPL 2021, he and Maheesh ekshana joined CSK training camp in Chennai and were seen practicing with likes of MS Dhoni and Robin Uthappa. 

Pathirana caught CSK's attention after bowling fastest delivery at U-19 World Cup in South Africa in 2020. He clocked a 175 kmph delivery versus India in youth World Cup. umpire, however, ruled ball illegal as it was declared a wide. His delivery speed even topped Shoaib Akhtar's deadly 161.3 kmph delivery, which is current world record.