'A Hard Goodbye': CSK's Overseas Star Hints His IPL 2024 is Over After Injury Setback

Chennai Super Kings continue to deal with injury concerns in the ongoing IPL 2024 with fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana latest to join the growing list.

Pathirana returned to Sri Lanka to start his rehab from a hamstring injury ahead of CSK’s clash with Punjab Kings in Dharamsala this Sunday. And his latest social media activity indicates that the defending champions will have to make do without their key fast bowler for the remainder of the season.

In a post on Instagram, right-arm pacer Pathirana, known for his slingy action, has bid a ‘hard goodbye’ to CSK, expressing his wish to see the IPL trophy remain with the five-time champions.

“A hard goodbye with my only wish to see the 2024 IPL champion trophy in CSK’s room soon! Grateful to the CSK team for all the blessings and love from Chennai,” Pathirana wrote alongside a series of images of his time in India for the competition.

CSK are currently third on the points table but their progress has been dented thanks to fitness concerns to various players. Fast bowler Deepak Chahar, known for his ability to pick wickets in the Powerplay, also underwent scans with the franchise yet to make an official announcement on his availability.

Stay updated with the latest from IPL 2024, including top contenders for the IPL 2024 Orange Cap and IPL 2024 Purple Cap. Explore the complete IPL 2024 Schedule, IPL 2024 Points Table and players with the Most Sixes, Most Fours and Most Fifties in IPL 2024

With left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman also flying home to link up with the Bangladesh squad, CSK only have 36-year-old Richard Gleeson as the only fit overseas fast bowler left in their squad.

CSK though coped well in the absence of their leading pacers against PBKS in Dharamsala as they outclassed PBKS by 28 runs.

After posting 167/9, CSK put up a combined bowling display to limit the home team to 139/9 with allrounder Ravindra Jadeja taking 3/20 from four overs.

“Some of the guys were struggling with flu. Weren’t even sure till the morning who’s playing or not. To get the win, really happy with that,” CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said after the match.

CSK will next face Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Friday in search of their seventh win of the season.