Pathirana Released, Mustafizur Back: Potential IPL Auction Plan That Can Benefit CSK

Mustafizur can be the appropriate replacement for Pathirana [Source: AFP]

Mustafizur Rahman has had a fantastic Asia Cup 2025 campaign so far. The experienced left-arm pacer has spearheaded the Bangladesh bowling attack with perfection, emerging as their go-to man with the ball in the tournament. 

Overall, Mustafizur has bagged seven wickets across four innings in the Asia Cup at an average of 15 and a strike rate of twelve. His economy of just seven suggests how impactful he has been in controlling the flow of runs. 

Interestingly, Mustafizur Rahman was one of the high-profile names to go unsold in the mega auction last year. However, Delhi Capitals brought him as a temporary replacement for Mitchell Starc, who left the IPL 2025 midway for national duties. 

As he was a temporary replacement, Mustafizur can't be retained and will likely be available in the mini auction. If Mustafizur registers for the auction, he could be an ideal candidate for CSK as a proper replacement for Matheesha Pathirana in their squad. 

Pathirana's Poor Form Proved Costly For CSK In IPL 2025

(Matheesha Pathirana in IPL 2025)

• As evidenced by the above stats, Matheesha Pathirana was far from his best for CSK in the IPL 2025. While he managed only 13 wickets, Pathirana registered a poor economy of 10.14 in twelve outings. 
• After the IPL 2025, Pathirana has played five T20 matches, including two at the international level. However, the fast bowler has regressed big time, scalping only four wickets at a horrible economy of 10.74. His failure had an adverse impact on CSK, as MS Dhoni's men went for eleven runs per over while managing just over two wickets per game in the slog overs. 
• These stats signify his decline as a T20 bowler, and considering he is also prone to injuries, chances are high that CSK might not retain him as their death-overs specialist for a whopping 13 Crore amount. 

Why can Mustafizur be the perfect replacement for Pathirana?

Better recent record in slog overs

(Mustafizur vs Pathirana at death overs in T20 cricket in 2025)

• As CSK have Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Choudhary to operate with the new ball, Pathirana's job is to strike in the slog overs and restrict the flow of runs. However, the Sri Lankan speedster couldn't live up to the hype, disappointing the five-time champions with his middling returns. 
• The data presented in the above table compares both these bowlers in the slog overs, indicating Mustafizur has been way more effective than Pathirana in the most difficult phase. While both have struck at an almost similar rate, Mustafizur's average and economy signify he has been harder to hit for the batters in the last five overs. 

Middle overs mastery, variations and past record for CSK

• Additionally, Mustafizur Rahman's ability to hit the deck and deceive the batters with wily cutters and slow balls makes him the real deal at Chepauk, where CSK play their home matches. 
• Besides oozing his class in the death overs, Mustafizur has been phenomenal in the middle overs as well, registering an average of 19 and an economy of 6.33 in the shortest format this year. 
• Mustafizur has also been a proven performer for CSK in the past, scalping 14 wickets in nine games at a strike rate of 14.71. 

Conclusion

Therefore, considering Pathirana hasn't been in prolific form and his failure affected CSK's overall bowling performance in the death overs in the 2025 season, the five-time champions might consider bringing in Mustafizur Rahman, who seems the ideal candidate to strengthen their vulnerable bowling attack in 2026. 

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