CSK Coach Stephen Fleming hints at potential absence for Matheesha Pathirana ahead of MI clash

As the excitement builds up for the highly-anticipated clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), head coach Stephen Fleming has hinted at a potential absence for pacer Matheesha Pathirana, although his injury is not deemed severe.

The upcoming encounter between MI and CSK at the Wankhede Stadium is set to be a thrilling showdown, often referred to as the ‘El Clasico’ of the IPL. With both teams vying for crucial points to strengthen their positions in the standings, the match is expected to be fiercely contested.

CSK currently sits in the third spot in the IPL standings, having secured three wins from five matches, totaling six points. Their recent victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has injected confidence into the squad as they aim to continue their winning momentum against MI.

On the other hand, MI has shown signs of resurgence after a slow start to the season, notching up two wins in their last two outings. Despite initial struggles, MI’s convincing victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has provided a much-needed boost to their campaign.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Fleming provided an update on Pathirana’s injury status and praised new skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, comparing him to former captain MS Dhoni. Fleming also addressed the criticism around Gaikwad’s strike rate, emphasizing the context of his performances.

With both teams boasting five IPL titles each, the CSK-MI rivalry has become one of the most anticipated fixtures in the tournament. Fleming expressed his team’s excitement for the match, highlighting the competitive nature of the rivalry and the importance of keeping emotions in check.

As the stage is set for a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse teams, fans can expect a high-octane clash between CSK and MI at the Wankhede Stadium. Stay tuned for what promises to be a gripping encounter in the IPL.