Indian Premier League 2024

'Dhoni ne ek aur credit churaya' - Fans disagree with Harsha Bhogle's 'Dhoni is preparing Pathirana' remark after CSK vs SRH clash 

Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle took to Twitter to praise Pathirana, as well as Dhoni for grooming the youngster.

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Akshay
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MS Dhoni & Matheesha Pathirana (left), Harsha Bhogle (right)

MS Dhoni & Matheesha Pathirana (left), Harsha Bhogle (right) (Source: Twitter)

MS Dhoni & Matheesha Pathirana (left), Harsha Bhogle (right) MS Dhoni & Matheesha Pathirana (left), Harsha Bhogle (right) (Source: Twitter)

We are just halfway through the 2023 Indian Premier League, and have already witnessed many youngsters showcase their skills in the world's best cricket league. Matheesha Pathirana of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is one such emerging talent who has impressed everyone so far in the tournament with his composed bowling, especially in the death overs.

The Sri Lankan pacer drew attention for his unusual bowling action - similar to his countryman and legendary cricketer Lasith Malinga - makes it difficult for batters to score off him. The 20-year-old is definitely a find of the season, and under MS Dhoni's leadership, he is proving to be a valuable asset for both CSK and his national team in the future.

The right-arm fast bowler once again showcased his brilliance with the ball in their last encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday, April 21. Even though spinners were the game-changers for CSK, they were highly complimented by Pathirana as the visitors managed to score just 58 runs in the final 10 overs. On a wicket that favoured the spinners, the young pacer conceded 22 runs and picked up one wicket in his four overs spell.

A complete effort by the CSK bowlers restricted SRH to 134/7. It also helped their batters to play without much pressure. Although the hosts lost a few wickets in the chase, Devon Conway's brilliant half-century helped CSK register a 7-wicket victory.

Meanwhile, cricket commentator and journalist Harsha Bhogle took to Twitter to praise Pathirana, as well as Dhoni for grooming the youngster. “Sri Lankan fans, you might have got a gem in Pathirana. Dhoni is preparing him for you!” he wrote.

However, there were mixed reactions under Bhogle's tweet, with some agreeing with his comments by praising Dhoni and others saying the former India captain is always stealing credit.

Talking about Pathirana at the post CSK vs SRH presentation, Dhoni said that he is definitely a find of the season. His bowling action and variations will make it difficult for the batters to score runs against him, he added.

"You need time to pick his action (Pathirana). He has got variation, he has got good pace. We have seen with Malinga - someone who has an awkward action and who is very consistent with line and length - it's difficult to score off him. Definitely he has been a find," the CSK skipper said.

Here's how fans reacted to Harsha Bhogle's remark:

IPL MS Dhoni CSK