3 reasons why CSK releasing Matheesha Pathirana ahead of IPL 2026 Auction would be a blunder

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are set to release Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, as per an ESPN Cricinfo report. All teams are set to finalise their retentions on Saturday, November 15.

Matheesha Pathirana was retained by CSK for a handsome price of ₹13 crore ahead of the 2025 season. He made his IPL debut with the franchise in 2022 and has been with them ever since.

The Sri Lankan pacer was last seen in action during the Asia Cup 2025. He has struggled with injuries in recent times, and the franchise had been contemplating his future with them for a while.

CSK also let go of all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, trading them to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson.

While they might look to buy him back at a lesser price, here are three reasons why the five-time champions releasing Matheesha Pathirana would be a blunder.

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#3 CSK may not be able to find an alternative death bowler at the auction

Chennai Super Kings had three big names in their overseas pace attack last season in Matheesha Pathirana, Nathan Ellis, and Sam Curran. With Curran now traded out, they are left with Pathirana and Ellis.

The Sri Lankan pacer has established himself as a death over specialist in the shorter format. His slingly action and pinpoint yorkers have made him an impactful bowler at the backend, with him having delivered in the past as well.

While Ellis could take the new ball, CSK may not find a reliable option for a solid death bowler, given it is a mini auction and teams will hold on to their quality pacers. That said, letting go of Pathirana could lead them to having trouble finding a suitable replacement for an important role.

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#2 May not be able to buy Matheesha Pathirana back at a lesser price

CSK may be looking to buy Matheesha Pathirana back for a lesser price at the IPL 2026 auction. They spent ₹13 crore to retain him. However, he may not have justified the price tag last season, picking 13 wickets at an average of 32.61 and an economy of 10.13.

However, the five-time champions may not be able to get him back at a lesser price. As it is a mini auction, with scarcity of quality pace bowling options, the competition would be tough with other franchises looking to rope in overseas fast bowlers.

The likes of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) could be among the teams on the lookout for an overseas quick. Therefore, CSK could end up paying the same price or probably more if they want to buy Pathirana back.

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#1 Giving away a scouted and well-invested player after just one bad season

CSK identified Matheesha Pathirana by tracking his performance in the Abu Dhabi T10 League. He was then brought into the team as a replacement for the injured Adam Milne in 2022.

The Sri Lankan pacer stayed with the team in 2023 and played a major role in their triumph that season. He picked up 19 wickets from 12 matches at an average of 19.52 and an economy of 8.00.

In 2024, he played six matches before being ruled out due to a hamstring injury. However, he made a significant impact with 13 wickets in those six games. Therefore, having scouted and invested in him, letting him go after just one poor season would be a terrible call.

Edited by Rishab Vm