Sri Lanka cricketer Matheesha Pathirana talked about how words of wisdom from Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni helped him. Not only this, but the rising star also heaped praise on the former India great. Pathirana emerged as one of the most promising stars in the latest season of the Indian Premier League, where he was a part of the title winners, Chennai Super Kings.
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The youngster talked about being a part of the Yellow Army and said how the influence of the former India skipper helped him. The 20-year-old said, “As a youngster if someone gives you confidence like that, it boosts your career. A player of that level showed faith in me and I believed I can do anything in that moment. Not only me, but Dhoni also gave confidence to all of us. There were 4-5 top players who were injured and he showed his trust in youngsters which was great.”
Pathirana also talked about what all he learnt from the 2011 World Cup-winning captain. He commented, “I learned a lot from Dhoni. The first thing is humbleness and that’s why he is very successful. He is 42 and still the fittest cricketer which is really inspiring. When I went there, I was a kid and no one knew me and they trained and taught me several things.”
The Sri Lanka pacer who is also known as Baby Malinga due to the resemblance of his bowling style to former pacer Lasith Malinga is playing in the Lanka Premier League. Pathirana is a part of the Colombo Strikers and is currently the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with a record of 12 dismissals in eight matches.
