CSK's Bowling Consultant Defends Matheesha Pathirana After IPL Setback

Support for Pathirana Amid IPL Challenges

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], May 1: After the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced a defeat against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the ongoing IPL 2025, Eric Simons, the bowling consultant for the five-time champions, expressed his support for right-arm seamer Matheesha Pathirana, who has struggled in the tournament.

Pathirana has taken nine wickets across eight matches, averaging 33.11, while his economy rate stands at 10.39, with his best performance being 2/28.

In a post-match press conference, Simons commented, “It’s well known that there was a slight change in his bowling action. However, he seems to have returned to a consistent arm height.”

He added, “I don’t believe he’s less accurate; rather, batsmen are adapting to his style. We’ve noticed a trend in how they approach him, especially in the recent match against Mumbai. They seem to have figured out his strategies. The key for him now is to evolve tactically, just as batsmen do.”

Reflecting on the match, a stellar half-century from captain Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh, along with a hat-trick by Yuzvendra Chahal, led PBKS to a four-wicket victory over CSK at Chepauk Stadium.

This win places PBKS second in the standings with six victories, three losses, and one no result, totaling 13 points. Conversely, CSK finds itself at the bottom with only two wins and eight losses, accumulating just four points.