The Chennai Super Kings are dealt a heavy blow ahead of their second game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025. Their star bowler, Matheesha Pathirana, has been ruled out of the clash due to an injury.
Everyone knows that CSK vs. RCB is one of the most anticipated fixtures in the IPL. Hence, both teams want to be at their full potential coming into the game. However, the home team will have to do without Pathirana, who has been a crucial asset in their bowling lineup.
Matheesha Pathirana Injury: Doubtful for RCB Clash
According to reports circulating on the internet, the Pathirana injury was caused by the remodeling of his bowling action. This issue had already kept him out of action during the season’s opening encounter, and now he is set to miss the game against RCB as well.
In a recent interview, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming provided a Pathirana injury update, assuring fans that the pacer is recovering progressively and will not be ruled out of the tournament entirely. However, he confirmed that Pathirana’s IPL injury will keep him sidelined for this crucial fixture.
This leaves CSK with a selection dilemma. While they have players like Jamie Overton as backup, he is an all-rounder and not a specialist pacer like Pathirana. Given CSK’s usual approach, a change in the playing XI might not happen, as they already went with Nathan Ellis in the first game.
CSK’s Strong Start to IPL 2025
Despite Pathirana’s IPL injury, CSK started their campaign in dominant fashion, defeating Mumbai Indians in their opening encounter. Bowling first, they restricted MI batters to just 152 runs, thanks to exceptional spells from Noor Ahmad (4 wickets) and Khaleel Ahmed (3 wickets).
CSK’s spin-heavy attack, featuring Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, looked in complete control. With the match against RCB set to be played at Chepauk, CSK will be confident of maintaining their stronghold at home.
RCB’s Bright Start to IPL 2025
RCB, on the other hand, cannot be taken lightly. In their opening encounter, they chased down 175 runs against KKR with ease, thanks to some explosive batting from Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, and Rajat Patidar. They secured victory with 3.4 overs and seven wickets to spare, showing their batting firepower.
With Pathirana’s injury ruling him out, CSK’s bowling attack will have to be at its absolute best to contain RCB’s batting lineup. Khaleel Ahmed, Jadeja, Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad will play key roles in ensuring that Chennai maintains its home advantage.
CSK vs RCB: The Chepauk Factor
Chepauk has been a fortress for CSK, especially against RCB. The Bengaluru-based franchise has not won at this venue since 2008, losing every encounter since then. Even in terms of overall head-to-head battles, CSK has won 21 out of the 33 games played between these two teams.
However, RCB will be motivated by the fact that they knocked CSK out of IPL 2024, defeating them in a crucial match at Chinnaswamy Stadium. This adds an extra layer of intensity to the upcoming showdown at Chepauk.
With Matheesha Pathirana’s injury update confirming his absence, CSK’s bowling attack will have to step up. Can they extend their 17-year unbeaten run against RCB at home, or will Bengaluru finally break the streak? Fans are in for an electrifying contest!
