Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana penned an emotional note to Chennai Super Kings and their fans with special appreciation for MS Dhoni after he sealed a move to join Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2026 auction. Pathirana has been one of the key players for CSK in recent times and helped them win the IPL 2023 title, picking up 19 wickets at an average of 19.53.
Pathirana was injured in the 2024 season and played only six matches but took 13 wickets. Last campaign was one to forget for the Sri Lankan pacer as runs leaked and he lacked the consistency he once had when he took 13 wickets in 12 matches. CSK decided to release Pathiran before the IPL 2026 auction and decided not to bid for him at all as it was initially a battle between DC and LSG, before KKR stole a march on the rest of the pack and got him for Rs. 18 million crowns.
Pathirana played a total of 32 matches in four seasons and picked 47 wickets. Taking to Instagram, the pacer said that CSK gave him faith and confidence as a player. The 22-year-old said he was disappointed not to end last season on a high and reach the 50-goal milestone for the team.
“From a boy with a dream to wearing the yellow with pride. CSK gave me more than just cricket, it gave me faith, confidence and a family that I will always cherish. From 2022 to the end of 2025, every moment in yellow shaped me as a cricketer and as a person. I always wanted to finish my last season with CSK to this end to achieve an incredible finish of 55. Unfortunately I couldn’t but the dream and effort was always from the heart.” Pathirana said.
Pathirana said he was grateful for the guidance and trust from Dhoni, who was a big supporter of the pacer during his time at CSK.
“I am forever grateful to Dhoni bhai for the guidance and trust, Kasi sir and the management for believing in me, my teammates for standing by me like brothers and to every loyal CSK fan who supported me through all the highs and lows. Your love meant everything to me,” said Pathirana.
Pathirana said Chennai will always have a special place on his launch pad and will be like home for him.
“Chennai will always have a special place in my heart. Chennai will always feel like home and yellow will always have a special place in my heart. It is with respect, gratitude and pride that I now turn the page and start a new chapter with KKR. Thank you CSK. Thank you Chennai. Forever grateful,” said Pathirana.
Pathirana was one of the 13 players bought by KKR during the auction they splashed money on Cameron Greenemaking him the costliest foreigner in IPL history.
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Published on:
December 16, 2025
