CSK are readying themselves for a big shake-up ahead of IPL 2026, with the franchise expected to release Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana. The decision was made after conversation internally about his recent performances and multiple fitness concerns long-term.
Matheesha Pathirana Released After Injury-Hit Seasons
Matheesha Pathirana shot to prominence with his slingy bowling action and regular pace upwards of 140 km/h, but has struggled with a spate of injuries over the recent past. The last time he played competitive cricket was at the Asia Cup in September, and has since found his availability dwindling.
CSK purchased Pathirana in the lead-up to IPL 2023 and retained him for a hefty INR 13 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction. But the franchise opted to release him from the squad with the retention deadline approaching.
Breakout in IPL 2023, Injuries bring him down since
Pathirana soon became an overnight sensation during IPL 2023, where he was a key player in CsK’s title winning season, picking up 19 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 8.01. His fast raw pace and immaculate yorkers made him a crowd-pleaser while his then-captain MS Dhoni praised him, saying that Sri Lanka Cricket had to manage him responsibly.
Dhoni’s warnings proved valid as Pathirana suffered frequent injury setbacks:
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Hamstring injury during IPL 2024
Early exit from SA20 with Joburg Super Kings
Underwhelming performance in IPL 2025: 13 wickets in 12 matches and an economy of 10.13.
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CSK head coach Stephen Fleming had publically raised concerns on the reducing impact created by Pathirana. He even suggested that the changes SLC had made to Pathirana’s release point might be behind his inconsistent performances.
CSK may try to buy back Matheesha Pathirana at auction
Though CSK are releasing Matheesha Pathirana, sources indicate the franchise might try and buy him at a cheaper price at the IPL auction scheduled on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. Pathirana has played all his IPL cricket so far for CSK, claiming 47 wickets in 32 matches with an average of 21.61 and an economy of 8.68.
CSK Enter IPL 2026 Auction With a Massive Purse
CSK are likely to be one of the teams with the largest purse in the IPL 2026 auction. This has come about because of a number of big releases, including:
Devon Conway
Rachin Ravindra
Matheesha Pathirana
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Star all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran were traded to the Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson. These moves point towards a big rebuilding phase for CSK as they head into the next cycle with a rejuvenated squad and substantial auction flexibility.
ALSO READ: IPL 2026 trades: Sanju Samson Swap For Jadeja, Curran In CSK
