IPL 2025 CSK vs RCB: Matheesha Pathirana Set To Miss Clash Against RCB At Chepauk Due To Injury: The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have a little setback ahead of their much-awaited IPL 2025 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Matheesha Pathirana, a key fast bowler, is unlikely to be present for today’s match. Stephen Fleming, CSK head coach, confirmed that the Sri Lankan pacer is still recovering from an injury. He is yet to reach match fit condition.
Matheesha Pathirana is still in recovery
The young singer, who boasted an action that resembled that of Lasith Malinga, last season became an integral part of CSK’s pace attack. Then again, it has curtailed his participation in the IPL 2025 owing to an injury that has prevented him from playing the season opener against the Mumbai Indians as well. Addressing the media, Fleming gave an update on Pathirana’s condition, stating:
“He is recovering. But as of now, he is not available for selection. We don’t want to rush him back until he is fully fit.”
The CSK management is expected to take a cautious approach with Pathirana to ensure he does not aggravate the injury. So that he returns in full form later in the tournament.
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Who Will Stand in Place of Pathirana?
With Pathirana missing out, CSK’s pace attack will yet again depend upon Nathan Ellis, the Australian fast bowler who played in the season opener. Ellis had a decent outing in the first match against Mumbai Indians, contributing to CSK’s four-wicket victory. He would then be preferred to retain his spot in the playing XI alongside Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande.
Apart from Ellis, CSK has other pace options in the form of Mustafizur Rahman and Rajvardhan Hangargekar. They could be considered for playing XI depending on the team’s strategy and pitch conditions at Chepauk.
CSK Bowling Strategy Without Pathirana
Pathirana’s absence would mean a heavy reliance on the spin-friendly bowling by CSK. Especially on a surface like Chepauk, which history comments is more favorable for a slower bowler. Experienced all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin could also be called upon to check RCB’s rampage, which is a powerhouse batting lineup with Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Phil Salt leading.
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CSK faces one of its toughest matches against RCB, and fans expect the team to ride over its obstacles and continue its winning momentum. Chepauk would be an electrifying contest as both would-be teams strive to stamp their mark at the opening of the tournament.
