Mumbai, April 15: He was bowling in front of his role model, his mentor and someone who made him realise his potentials. But the only difference was his mentor and guide, was in the opposite camp as a bowling coach, while the youngster was simply unstoppable with a match-winning fiery spell of 4 for 28.
Call it destiny, or part of cricket. But on Sunday evening, young Matheesha Pathirana, the pace bowling sensation from Sri Lanka, playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, was up against his mentor Lasith Malinga's side.
While Pathirana rattled Hardik Pandya led Mumbai Indians (MI) with his fiery and accuracy spell, Malinga was silently watching him from outside sitting in the MI dug-out.
Pathirana, may be too young to be compared with a cricket icon like Malinga, but the youngster from the island nation, at this early stage of his career appears no less than his role model.
Last season too, Pathirana was a vital cog in CSK's title journey. This year due to injury, though he joined his IPL franchise bit late and missed a few matches, but ever since his return, CSK have looked a much balanced bowling unit.
For someone young and talented like Pathirana, his mentor and his team skipper are bound to be crucial persons. But this season, CSK are no more led by their charismatic and seasoned MS Dhoni. Of course, MSD has been guiding all bowlers from behind the stumps, as he used to, but officially this year CSK are led by Ruturaj Gaikwad.
On Sunday evening, Pathirana was up against Malinga's MI side. But eventually it was the disciple, who ended up on the winning side and he also won the Player of the Match trophy.
Asked after the match, about his performance, Pathirana in his trademark simplicity replied that his main concern was just about getting his execution right instead of thinking about results.
He also stated that proper execution would definitely bring good results, he is pretty sure. His four victims against MI included Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma and Romario Shepherd.
Sure, Pathirana has miles to go. But if he continues to work hard, remain fit and value his execution of plans as he has been doing till date, Sri Lanka cricket is bound to be blessed with another match-winning bowler like Lasith Malinga.
Who knows Pathirana may achieve more career heights in world cricket than his role model Malinga! But for the time being , Pathirana's fine form is benefitting CSK in IPL 2024. Malinga for sure, has no option but to applaud his young countryman.