Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have released Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana after three seasons as they embark on a major overhaul ahead of IPL 2025. The move comes after a poor campaign in which CSK finished last and decided to rethink their core group.
Pathirana joined the team in 2023 and made an immediate impact. He took 19 wickets in 12 matches and played a big role in CSK’s title win that season. Fans saw him as a long-term weapon of death. But injuries soon slowed him down.
His fitness problems kept recurring. A hamstring injury ended his 2024 IPL season. Even in 2025, he struggled to get back into full rhythm. He took just 13 wickets in 12 matches and his economy crossed 10. CSK remained loyal and had retained him for ₹13 crore before the season, but the returns never matched the investment.
If you release him now, that entire amount will be released. CSK’s auction purse stands at ₹43.40 crore and the management is willing to use it for rebuilding. The team has already taken bold steps. Ravindra Jadeja was traded out and Sanju Samson joined the squad for ₹18 crore.
There is still a chance that CSK will try to bring back Pathirana at a lower price in the auction. They are also looking at Australian pacer Nathan Ellis as another option for the overseas slot. The team wants reliable fast bowlers who can stay fit throughout the season.
The decision reflects a clear shift in CSK’s approach. Pathirana showed great promise, but his repeated injuries complicated planning. With a new auction on the horizon, CSK wants more flexibility and a team that can remain consistent during matches.
If Pathirana enters the auction pool, both parties can still reunite. But for now, CSK is focusing on correcting their weaknesses and preparing for a stronger comeback in 2026.
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