One name that has been making waves is Matheesha Pathirana. With 14 matches under his belt and an impressive record of 21 wickets, a striking average of 20.14, and an economy rate of 7.96 runs per over, Pathirana has proven himself as a formidable force in the league. The recent IPL Auction 2023 saw the Chennai franchise securing his services for a noteworthy Rs 20.00 Lac.
Amidst Pathirana’s rise to prominence, rumors surfaced that the Mumbai Indians were eager to secure his talents before the IPL 2024 auction. The buzz around Pathirana reached a crescendo when reports hinted at direct contact attempts by the Mumbai Indians. It seemed that the Mumbai-based franchise aimed to capitalize on Pathirana’s exceptional skills, especially given his stellar performance as a death bowler in IPL 2023.
Pathirana’s journey in IPL took a significant turn when the legendary MS Dhoni, captain of the Chennai franchise, placed unwavering trust in the young talent. Under Dhoni’s leadership, Pathirana not only showcased his class but also evolved into a key player for the team. The captain’s faith in him played a pivotal role in shaping Pathirana’s cricketing career.
However, amidst the Mumbai Indians’ pursuit, Pathirana surprised many by rejecting their offer. His loyalty to the Chennai franchise and the camaraderie built with teammates became evident when he posted a cryptic Instagram story. The post, accompanied by a photo featuring his manager Amila Kalugalage, bore a caption that resonated: ‘No amount of money can buy loyalty.’
Fact Check: Did Matheesha Pathira Take A Dig At Mumbai Indians?
The cryptic nature of Pathirana’s post fueled speculations on social media platforms. Fans started dissecting the post, with one individual suggesting that Mumbai Indians attempted to lure Pathirana away. The added intrigue was the mention of Pathirana as the ‘Malinga regen,’ drawing a connection to the legendary Lasith Malinga, which further fueled discussions among fans.
In the wake of social media buzz, Pathirana’s manager, Amila Kalugalage, stepped in to clarify the situation. In a prompt response, he dismissed the speculations linking the Instagram post to Mumbai Indians or the IPL. According to Kalugalage, the photo in question was taken during their return to Sri Lanka the previous week. The manager’s clarification put an end to the swirling rumors, highlighting that the social media narrative was far from reality.
