Young Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana has acknowledged Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) big role in his elevation to international cricket.

The right-arm quick caught everyone’s attention during the U-19 World Cup 2022 for his sling-shot action, similar to compatriot Lasith Malinga.

In the same year, CSK signed him as a replacement player for the injured Adam Milne. He got to play only two matches in 2022 for CSK, but it did help him earn his maiden Sri Lanka call-up.

Pathirana lived up to the expectations of the CSK management in the next two seasons, picking up 32 wickets in 18 matches.

Ahead of Sri Lanka’s white-ball series against India, Matheesha Pathirana revealed the stint with CSK proved to be a game changer for him and also talked about the experience of sharing the dressing room with the legendary MS Dhoni.

"After my under-19s, I was not in any squads in Sri Lanka. But since my debut for CSK, I got those chances and got selected for Sri Lanka’s main team. Playing for CSK is a gift from god for me. Until I played for CSK, not many knew me. Sharing the dressing room with Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) is very special for youngsters like me, especially coming from Sri Lanka," Pathirana told Sportstar.

Sri Lanka are due to face World Champions India in a three-match T20I series, starting on July 27 in Pallekele. It will be followed by an ODI series of three games in Colombo.

Pathirana, 21, said it would be massive confidence booster if the hosts managed to outclass the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team in the T20I series.

"I think it will be a good challenge. India is coming with a new coach and some new players; their combination will be slightly different. But it will be a good challenge for us because they are world champions. We have a very good side and a lot of talent and potential. Unfortunately, we didn’t do well in the T20 World Cup. But if we can win this series, it will be a confidence booster for the next three years," he remarked.