Huge Injury Concern For MS Dhoni And CSK: Star Set To Be Ruled Out For 4-5 Weeks

Matheesha Pathirana played a big role in CSK's title march in the previous IPL, grabbing 19 wickets from 12 matches.

With less than a week left for the start of the Indian Premier League, Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have received a huge blow ahead of their opening game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 22. According to a report in Times of India, star pacer Matheesha Patirana is set to be sidelined for four to five weeks due to an hamstring injury. Pathirana has been out of action since he picked up a niggle during the second T20I against Bangladesh at Sylhet on March 6 and left the field without completing his spell.

Pathirana played a big role in CSK's title march in the previous IPL, grabbing 19 wickets from 12 matches.

"The Grade 1 hamstring typically takes nearly two weeks to recover fully. So, it remains to be seen when Pathirana can join the team, and it is hard to tell at this stage whether he will be available for the initial couple of matches," an IPL source had told PTI.

CSK suffered an injury blow before the beginning of the season as New Zealand opener Devon Conway is expected to miss at least the first half of the tournament after undergoing thumb surgery. Conways sustained a blow on his finger during New Zealand's third T20I against Australia.

CSK will kick off their campaign against RCB in the first game of the IPL 2024, at Chepauk, on March 22.