As per reports, Matheesha Pathirana has returned to Sri Lanka to nurse an injury. In all likelihood, he is set to be ruled out of IPL 2024. It is a big blow for Chennai Super Kings because the team is in a good situation to reach the playoffs. With Pathirana not there, there could be issues for the side in the deathovers. The management could scout for some decent replacements in the coming days. On that note, here, we take a look at three players whom CSK can target as the replacement for Matheesha Pathirana if he is ruled out of IPL 2024.
1) Josh Hazlewood
It would be a massive coup if CSK manages to convince Josh Hazlewood to join the squad. It would not be a bad idea for the player, as well. He could warm up a bit before the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Having been a part of CSK before, Hazlewood would be an instant fit to the environment. Of course, he brings a lot of experience and skillsets.
2) Obed McCoy
With Mustafizur Rahman also having returned to Bangladesh, CSK is short of options in the overseas pace department. Hence, they could go for someone close to the Bangladeshi pacer. Obed McCoy can be that option for CSK.
He is someone who can operate with a lot of variations. The West Indian also has IPL experience, which makes him a good fit for CSK, especially at Chepauk.
3) Ben Sears
Ben Sears is one of the players whom CSK can target as the replacement for Matheesha Pathirana if he is ruled out of IPL 2024. The youngster from New Zealand has had a few impressive months.
He will be one of the travelling reserves for New Zealand in the 2024 T20 World Cup. A promising fast bowler, with Stephen Fleming a key decision maker, Ben Sears will have a good chance.
