Table of Contents
In the fast-paced, star-studded universe of the Indian Premier League, few bowlers made an instant impact like Matheesha Pathirana. Nicknamed “Baby Malinga” for his slinging action and pinpoint yorkers, the Sri Lankan sensation emerged as MS Dhoni’s secret death-over weapon in IPL 2023 and 2024. However, come IPL 2025, Pathirana’s magic seems to have dimmed.
From being CSK’s strike bowler to now being targeted and dominated by opposition batters, the decline in effectiveness is becoming hard to ignore. But what exactly is behind this sudden dip?
Let’s decode the multiple factors contributing to Matheesha Pathirana’s underwhelming form this season.
Statistical Snapshot of Pathirana’s IPL 2025 Season So Far
To truly understand the decline, it’s important to look at the numbers.
| Match | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs RCB | 4 | 41 | 1 | 10.25 |
| vs KKR | 3 | 38 | 0 | 12.66 |
| vs MI | 4 | 34 | 2 | 8.50 |
| vs RR | 3 | 35 | 0 | 11.66 |
- Total Wickets: 3 in 4 matches
- Average Economy Rate: 10.76
- Best figures: 2/34 vs MI
- Dot Ball %: Dropped to 31% (from 45% in IPL 2024)
- Strike Rate: One wicket every 24 deliveries (vs 12.4 in 2024)
The numbers clearly reflect a dip in control, consistency, and impact. Now let’s look at why this is happening.
1. Tactical Exposure & Opposition Homework
One of the biggest reasons for Pathirana’s dip in effectiveness is that opposition analysts have figured him out.
- His unique action is no longer a mystery.
- Teams have built custom batting plans, especially for death overs.
- Opposition batters are:
- Moving across the stumps to scoop or lap yorkers.
- Opening the face of the bat to glide deliveries behind point.
- Pre-meditating shots knowing Pathirana’s lengths.
Expert Viewpoint:
“Pathirana is still bowling well, but he’s become predictable. Batters are picking his lengths early and exploiting the angles,” says former IPL analyst Deep Dasgupta.
2. Lack of Variation & Predictable Patterns
Another key issue is Pathirana’s limited variations. While his yorker accuracy remains decent, it’s not enough at this level.
- Over-reliance on wide yorkers:
Batsmen are now waiting for them and slicing over backward point or third man. - Few slower ball options:
Unlike bowlers like T Natarajan or Harshal Patel, Pathirana doesn’t use the off-cutter or knuckleball as often. - One-dimensional bowling in powerplays:
In the few overs he’s bowled early in the innings, he hasn’t adapted well to the movement conditions.
Former Cricketer Robin Uthappa stated:
“Everyone knows what Pathirana will bowl. That mystery factor is gone. He needs to evolve or he’ll be hit every game.”
3. Fitness Concerns and Reduced Pace
Pathirana’s pace — once a critical weapon — has seen a noticeable drop in speed.
- In 2023-24, he was regularly bowling in the 145–150 kmph range.
- In 2025, many deliveries are clocking in at 138–143 kmph.
Why the drop?
- Speculation of a minor shoulder niggle being managed silently by CSK.
- Heavy match scheduling and insufficient recovery periods.
- Fatigue due to frequent use in high-pressure overs.
This pace drop means:
- His yorkers are easier to scoop.
- The element of surprise is gone.
4. Strategic Mismanagement by CSK?
While MS Dhoni’s bowling changes have worked wonders in past seasons, some cricket analysts feel Pathirana is being overused in similar situations every game:
- Always brought in between overs 13–20.
- Rarely given a chance to bowl during powerplays or test middle-order technique.
- No tactical surprises, allowing opposition teams to plan for his spells specifically.
Wasim Jaffer commented recently:
“If I can predict when Pathirana will bowl, surely the batsmen can too. It’s time CSK used him more creatively.”
5. Mental Pressure and Sky-High Expectations
IPL is more than just physical cricket — it’s a pressure cooker. And for a young bowler like Pathirana, constant media attention and comparisons to Lasith Malinga can take a toll.
- He’s now expected to deliver 2 wickets every match, especially in the death overs.
- When he fails, criticism is sharp — especially on social media.
- This mounting pressure can cause:
- Overthinking lengths
- Loss of rhythm
- Panic under pressure
Pathirana’s body language this season shows glimpses of frustration and self-doubt — something rarely seen in 2023–24.
What Can CSK & Matheesha Pathirana Do to Bounce Back?
Tactical Changes
- Use Pathirana for two overs in the middle overs to unsettle batters.
- Mix him with spinners at the other end to force bad shots.
- Train and introduce slower balls into his repertoire.
Mental Support
- CSK’s management, known for nurturing young talent, must offer mental space and support.
- Reducing pressure and expectations could help him relax into his natural rhythm.
Fitness Management
- Rotate him in lower-stake games to avoid burnout.
- Monitor pace through data science and biomechanics teams to tweak his run-up and load management.
Fan Reaction: From Frustration to Hope
The CSK fanbase has voiced both concern and support for Pathirana:
- Many fans want him to be rested and recalibrated, rather than overused.
- Twitter reactions:
- “We believe in Baby Malinga, just let him reset.”
- “He’s bowling like a robot — let him bowl like a warrior again.”
- Chennai Super Kings supporters are also urging Dhoni & co. to back him with better on-field plans.
What Lies Ahead: The Path Forward
The IPL 2025 season is still long, and Pathirana is too talented to be written off. With the right mix of:
- Tactical innovation,
- Physical recovery,
- Skill enhancement,
- And mental freedom,
He could still bounce back in the second half of the tournament and become a game-changer again.
While Matheesha Pathirana’s struggles in IPL 2025 have surprised many, they’re not without reason. From opposition planning and predictable tactics to fitness concerns and mental fatigue, several factors have dimmed the sparkle of CSK’s young pacer.
But as IPL history has shown, form is temporary, class is permanent. With the right adjustments, we may yet see the re-emergence of Pathirana the match-winner — just when CSK needs him most.
The Hindustan Herald Is Your Source For The Latest In Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, And Other News. Please Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, And LinkedIn To Receive Instantaneous Updates. Also Don’t Forget To Subscribe Our Telegram Channel @hindustanherald
