CSK To Release Matheesha Pathirana? 3 Teams That Could Buy Him Before IPL 2026

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Matheesha Pathirana [Source: OneCricket, AFP Media]Matheesha Pathirana [Source: OneCricket, AFP Media]

IPL 2025 was the most disastrous outing for the Chennai Super Kings. For the first time in their history, they finished at the bottom of the table. There has been plenty of speculation surrounding the potential squad changes for the 2026 season.

One of the most disappointing factors for CSK was Matheesha Pathirana failing to deliver in the death overs. The Super Kings trusted the Sri Lankan pacer to be their trump card. However, his inefficiency contributed significantly to the disastrous finish. Thus, at this juncture, there have been rising speculations of CSK releasing Pathirana and freeing up about ₹18 Cr of their budget for the upcoming mini-auction.

1. Delhi Capitals

The Delhi Capitals look like a logical destination for Pathirana. First of all, the Capitals have a youth-centric approach, which will align perfectly with the developing 23-year-old star. Besides, in the last few seasons, they have struggled to find a good bowler in the death overs.

Matheesha Pathirana, with his natural talent to bowl yorkers and come with change of pace deliveries, could be the leader for DC bowling. This would not only provide him with ample opportunities to explore his skills to the maximum, but also develop him as a player who can carry greater responsibilities on his shoulders.

2. Sunrisers Hyderabad

Matheesha Pathirana [Source: OneCricket, AFP Media]Matheesha Pathirana [Source: OneCricket, AFP Media]

The Sunrisers, over the years, have built a reputation for fast bowlers of premium quality. In the last couple of seasons, they have tried to develop an aggressive batting philosophy; however, that has not shifted their bowling-dependent strategy. 

In the last season, one of the major setbacks was the failure of Mohammed Shami to deliver as expected. So, there is a chance that they might look for a pacer who has proven credentials in the final overs of the T20 format. This is where the move of Pathirana from CSK to SRH looks very plausible.

3. Kolkata Knight Riders

From being the champions in IPL 2024 to finishing at number eight in 2025, the journey of the Kolkata Knight Riders was disheartening to see. The majority of their bowling duties were on the Indian pacers like Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana. Their overseas pacers like Spencer Johnson and Anrich Nortje did not perform as expected. So, this leaves an opportunity for the management to acquire the services of a premium overseas pacer who could be effective for them in the crucial phases of a match.