NEW DELHI: South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi sent social media into a frenzy with a hilarious post that perfectly captured cricket’s knack for producing uncanny similarities. Sharing a clip from a local match, presumably played in India, Shamsi picked up the youngster bowling with a distinctly skidding action reminiscent of Sri Lanka’s two most unique pacers.
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Axar Patel shares a big update on Mitchell Starc“We had Malinga… then we got Pathiran… Meet the final boss now,” Shamsi captioned the video, brazenly extending the comparison to the next generation. The post quickly went viral and fans were amused by how exactly the youngster’s action mirrored that of Lasith Malinga and Matheesha Pathirana, who are both known for their unorthodox round-arm deliveries.A legend of the modern game, Malinga built his reputation on a unique low-arm delivery that made him one of the most feared death bowlers in world cricket. A few years later, Pathirana emerged with a strikingly similar action, earning the nickname “Baby Malinga” and establishing his own identity in T20 leagues around the world. The timing of Shamsi’s post coincided with the much-anticipated arrival of Pathirana to join Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. After days of waiting, the Sri Lankan pacer finally joined the team, offering a ray of hope for a side that has struggled badly this season. Pathiran’s late entry was due to a calf strain he suffered during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. After his recovery, he passed the fitness test conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket and got the necessary clearance to participate in the league. His inclusion was eagerly awaited, especially considering the hefty Rs 18 crore investment the franchise made in the IPL auction.While his arrival boosts morale, a cautious approach is expected from the team management. Pathirana is unlikely to be forced straight into the playing XI, with the medical staff having to assess his fitness over several training sessions. The franchise will look to ensure he is fully fit before exposing him to the rigors of competitive cricket.
