Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was dealt a huge blow before the IPL 2025 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) when Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana was ruled out of the game due to injury. The head coach, Stephen Fleming, had announced during a pre-match press conference on Thursday that the young pacer remains recuperating and won’t be playing in the big game.
He is on the mend,” stated Fleming, replying to inquiries about Pathirana’s readiness. The paceman, who excelled during IPL 2024, was short-lived for a season by hamstring harm. This aside, CSK maintained him on its rolls at ₹13 crore. He even took no part in CSK’s opening fixture versus Mumbai Indians.
CSK readies Itself for Dure Tests
With CSK getting ready to take on RCB on Friday in Chennai, Fleming highlighted the changing nature of the tournament, underlining that the two teams have made drastic changes since last year.
“Things change very fast. The RCB of last year, the CSK of last year are very different. We don’t read too much into past performances. Of course, observing their team, Kohli is a huge component of it, but they’ve also got other strengths. The competition is actually very even this year,” Fleming said, quoting CSK‘s official website.
Adapting to Playing Conditions Key for CSK
Fleming also highlighted the importance of adaptability in handling different pitch conditions throughout the tournament.
“It’s difficult, we don’t have much influence on what comes up. Each pitch has a different characteristic, so we’ll work really hard to figure out what’ll work. We have to be well-equipped for all conditions, because that’s been the key here,” he added.
CSK will now have to reorganize their bowling lineup in the absence of Pathirana as they face RCB in what will be a battle royale.
