Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are currently dominating the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. The four-time IPL winners made a tremendous comeback after losing their first match against defending champions Gujarat Titans. Dhoni’s CSK are currently on third spot in IPL 2023 points table with 10 points after winning 5 out of their 8 matches. The yellow army will square off against Punjab Kings in their next match on Sunday (April 30) at 3:30 pm IST.

ALSO READ | Sri Lankan Spinner Prabath Jayasuriya Breaks 71-Year-Old Test Record

Meanwhile, ahead of CSK vs RR IPL 2023 match, which Rajasthan won after defeating Chennai by 32 runs on Thursday (April 27), ex-India spinner Murali Kartik lauded Chennai Super Kings spinner Matheesha Pathirana, following his exploits in the ongoing season. 

“Mitchell Santner could replace Theekshana, if he does at all. Pathirana is a seam bowler, he bowls really well in death overs. He’s emerging really well under MS Dhoni. Dhoni uses him like a remote control, Pathirana does what Dhoni wants. So, I won’t replace Pathirana,” Kartik said during a discussion on Cricbuzz.

Kartik backed CSK’s Mitchell Santner, saying that the all-rounder deserves a place in the team.

“Seam bowling is a weak link for CSK. Akash Singh has done well, he bowled four back-to-back overs in the previous game.. From the first day, I’ve been saying that Mitchell Santner bowls good against any batter in any situation. There’s no better batter among bowlers than Santner. And he’s a gun fielder, his arm movement is brilliant. So, for me, there’s a case for his inclusion. But then, MS looks at the game differently,” he added.

Sri Lankan talented young pacer Mathisha Pathirana made his debut for Chennai Super Kings in IPL, last year. Pathirana has so far played a total of 6 matches in the IPL as part of CSK, in which he has taken 6 wickets while bowling at an amazing economy of 7.59.