Will Injured Matheesha Pathirana Play the CSK vs RCB IPL 2025 Clash in Chepauk?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a much-anticipated IPL 2025 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 28. However, the defending champions might once again be without their star pacer, Matheesha Pathirana. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has confirmed that Pathirana’s recovery has been slow, making his participation in the match uncertain.

Matheesha Pathirana’s Injury Update

Pathirana, known for his unorthodox slingy action and lethal yorkers, was absent in CSK’s season opener against Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 24. According to early reports, he suffered a minor injury while adjusting his bowling action. However, the franchise has not released an official statement, and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has also remained silent on the matter.

During a pre-match press conference, Stephen Fleming stated that Pathirana’s progress has been slow, and the team is unlikely to take any risks with his fitness at this stage of the tournament. This means the Sri Lankan speedster could miss his second consecutive match in IPL 2025.

CSK to Retain the Same Playing XI

With Pathirana’s availability in doubt, CSK is expected to stick with the same playing XI that secured a convincing win against Mumbai Indians. Australian pacer Nathan Ellis, who was included in the first match, is likely to retain his place in the lineup.

Fleming confirmed that the management is backing Ellis to deliver, given his ability to bowl in all phases of the game. The CSK bowling attack, which performed impressively in the opening match, is expected to remain unchanged.

CSK’s Dominant Start in IPL 2025

Despite Pathirana’s absence, CSK started their campaign with a commanding four-wicket win over MI at Chepauk. After electing to bowl first, the Super Kings restricted the visitors to a below-par total of 155/9.

Mumbai’s batting lineup struggled against CSK’s disciplined bowling attack. Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck, while Ryan Rickelton (13) and Will Jacks (13) failed to build momentum. Suryakumar Yadav managed 29 runs off 26 balls but could not take MI to a competitive total. All-rounder Tilak Varma was the highest scorer for MI with 31 runs, while Deepak Chahar’s late cameo of 28 runs added some respectability to the score.

Among the bowlers, Noor Ahmad was the standout performer, picking up four wickets on his CSK debut. Left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed also impressed with a three-wicket haul, while Nathan Ellis and Ravichandran Ashwin chipped in with a wicket each.

Chepauk Pitch Report

The Chepauk surface in the opening match assisted spinners, as the ball gripped and turned significantly. With the same conditions expected for the upcoming game against RCB, CSK’s spin-heavy attack, featuring Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad, will be a key factor.

RCB’s Challenge at Chepauk

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Rajat Patidar in IPL 2025, will be looking to break their poor record at Chepauk. Since winning the inaugural IPL season in 2008, RCB has never beaten CSK at this venue. They will aim to change that on March 28.

With Pathirana unlikely to feature, RCB might have an opportunity to capitalize on CSK’s slightly weakened pace attack. However, they will need to counter Chennai’s strong spin unit to have any chance of victory.

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