Key Highlights:
In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League, where performances often define relationships and opportunities, a rare and deeply emotional bond stands out — the one between Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana and legendary Indian cricketer MS Dhoni. More than just teammates at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), their connection resembles a father-son relationship, built on trust, guidance, and unwavering support.
Pathirana, fondly known as “Baby Malinga” due to his slinging bowling action reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, was a relatively unknown name when CSK roped him in during the IPL 2022 season as a replacement for the injured Adam Milne. But in just three years, he has not only become a vital cog in CSK’s pace attack but also found a mentor and father-figure in Dhoni.
“Dhoni is my cricketing father”
Pathirana’s emotional revelation came through a documentary released by Chennai Super Kings in April 2025. In it, the 24-year-old fast bowler opens up about the pivotal role MS Dhoni has played in shaping both his career and character.
“Dhoni is like my father,” Pathirana says with unmistakable sincerity. “Because of the support, the mentorship, and the guidance he is giving me when I’m in CSK. It’s very similar to what my father did in my home. That’s why I consider Dhoni my cricketing father.”
Such words aren’t said lightly — especially in a franchise like CSK, where many international players have come and gone. For Pathirana, the relationship with Dhoni transcends captain-player dynamics. It is about belonging, trust, and learning the game of life, not just cricket.
The First Meeting: “Hi Mali. How are you?”
Pathirana recalls his first meeting with Dhoni vividly. As a young recruit entering a star-studded dressing room, he was nervous. But Dhoni, with his characteristic calm, immediately put him at ease.
“He looked at me and said, ‘Hi, Mali. How are you?’” Pathirana recalls. “It felt so familiar because, in Sri Lanka, ‘Mali’ means younger brother. That kind of legend calling me ‘Mali’ – it was surreal.”
Nicknamed “Mali” in reference to Malinga, the comparison was once about his bowling action. Today, it represents something deeper — being seen and accepted by one of cricket’s greatest minds.
A Mother’s Gratitude
In the same documentary, Pathirana’s mother gets emotional while speaking about the respect her son has for Dhoni. Her voice chokes as she says:
“No words about Dhoni. Really [like] god. Matheesha, how he respects [his] father, like that [he shows] respect to Dhoni.”
Coming from a family that trusted their son to a foreign land and an unfamiliar culture, this deep bond has been reassuring for them. It’s a rare kind of security — knowing your child is not just part of a professional setup, but also mentored by someone who genuinely cares.
Performing Under Dhoni’s Guidance
In IPL 2025, Pathirana has had a strong start, picking up two-wicket hauls in each of his first two matches. His role has been critical in the death overs — a zone where bowlers often falter but where he has shown incredible poise.
Analysts have noted that Dhoni’s influence is visible in Pathirana’s bowling strategies — calm under pressure, smart variations, and an intuitive reading of the batter. It’s a master-disciple relationship that goes far beyond instructions.
“He [Dhoni] doesn’t just tell you what to do,” Pathirana has said in earlier interviews. “He makes you believe in yourself. That’s the real gift.”
Why CSK Is More Than a Franchise for Pathirana
The Chennai Super Kings have a tradition of grooming and nurturing raw international talent, especially those from Sri Lanka. From Muttiah Muralitharan in the earlier years to now Matheesha Pathirana, the yellow brigade under Dhoni has always prioritized building family-like bonds with their players.
For Pathirana, this culture is the reason why he feels “completely at home” with CSK.
He was one of the retained players ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, a decision that did not surprise anyone. After a breakthrough season in 2024 and being dubbed the next big thing in Sri Lankan fast bowling, the retention underlines how much CSK values his growth — and how committed Dhoni is to shaping it.
Future Beyond IPL
While Pathirana continues to impress in the IPL, he is also shaping into a crucial asset for Sri Lanka’s national team across formats. Having made his debut in 2022, his evolution has been steady, with IPL acting as a major catalyst.
“Learning from Dhoni every day is like being in a cricket university,” Pathirana once said. “He’s taught me how to bowl, how to think, and how to handle failures.”
That kind of mentorship is rare — and invaluable.
A Legacy Being Built
Cricket has always been about numbers — wickets, averages, strike rates. But sometimes, it’s about something more intangible yet powerful: relationships that change careers and lives.
Matheesha Pathirana’s heartfelt tribute to MS Dhoni isn’t just a story of admiration; it’s a reflection of the human side of cricket. In a sport driven by performance and pressure, the fatherly presence of Dhoni has given Pathirana the room to breathe, grow, and thrive.
As IPL 2025 progresses, and CSK aims for yet another title run, one thing is clear — behind every yorker bowled by Pathirana lies the quiet wisdom of a man he calls his father: MS Dhoni.
FAQs
Q1: Why does Matheesha Pathirana call MS Dhoni his cricketing father?
Pathirana refers to Dhoni as his cricketing father due to the mentorship, support, and personal guidance he has received from the CSK captain, mirroring the role of a parent in his life.
Q2: What is Matheesha Pathirana’s nickname and why?
He is nicknamed “Baby Malinga” for his slinging bowling action that resembles former Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga.
Q3: How has Pathirana performed in IPL 2025 so far?
He has taken two wickets in each of his first two matches, becoming a key component of CSK’s bowling unit.
Q4: What role has CSK played in Pathirana’s development?
CSK has provided Pathirana with a nurturing environment and leadership under MS Dhoni, which has significantly influenced his growth as a cricketer.
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