Why Is Matheesha Pathirana Not Playing In MI vs CSK IPL 2025 Match?

Matheesha Pathirana and MS Dhoni for CSK [Source: @tiwariaatul, @HustlerCSK/x.com]

It is time for the biggest rivalry in the IPL 2025. The Chennai Super Kings are taking on the Mumbai Indians in the third match of the tournament.

In what comes in as a big news the Chennai Super Kings have dropped Matheesha Pathirana for the game. Instead of the Sri Lankan death over specialist, Ruturaj Gaikwad's team has opted to go with Nathan Ellis from Australia. 

Why Matheesha Pathirana Has Been Dropped By CSK vs MI?

Matheesha Pathirana has been an outright match winner for CSK in most of the matches that he has played. However, looking at the current form of both Pathirana and Ellis the team management might have taken the decision.

One more thing that might have worked in the minds of the think tank of CSK is the fact they had to balance the combination with the four overseas players limit. Rachin Ravindra, Sam Curran and Noor Ahmad are the other three overseas player in the CSK team. Looking at these three players it looks like Ellis provided more flexibility and depth to the team. 

If any update on Pathirana's exact fitness situation arrive it will be updated here.

Reason - No update on any injury has yet arrived for Matheesha Pathirana. So far it seems like a strategic move based on the form of the two players. 

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