Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana has said that former CSK captain MS Dhoni is playing the role of his father in his cricket life. MS Dhoni is known for showing trust in youngsters and he took Pathirana under his wings when the Lankan pacer joined CSK in IPL 2022.

Having a slingy action similar to Sri Lankan fast-bowling legend Lasith Malinga, Pathirana is currently fifth on the list of top wicket-takers in this IPL season, with 13 wickets in six matches. He credits that success to the confidence shown in him by Dhoni, who handed over CSK captaincy duties to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024.

"After my father, in my cricket life, mostly he (Dhoni) is playing my father's role because he is always taking care of me, giving me advice, what I have to do, similar to my father when I am at home," said Pathirana on the latest episode of 'Lions Upclose'.

Pathirana further revealed that Dhoni doesn't say much and always stresses the need to enjoy the game and take care of fitness.

“He's not telling a lot of things when I am on the field and off the field. He tells just small things, but it makes a lot of difference. So those little things, I take a lot of confidence (from). Off the field, we don't talk that much; but if I have to ask something from him, definitely I would go to him and ask. Every time he tells me 'Enjoy your game and take care of your body. Mahi bhai, if you can play one more season, please play with us. If I'm here (laughs)," said the 21-year-old Sri Lankan pacer.

Here is the video: