Who said what - top 5 expert reactions on CSK releasing Matheesha Pathirana ahead of IPL 2026 Auction ft. R Ashwin

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were among the most active franchises on the IPL 2026 retention deadline day. Apart from the trades of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, they released ten others in a massive overhaul to the roster.

However, it was the release of Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana that grabbed headlines. The 22-year-old has been an integral part of the franchise over the past four years, helping them win their last title in 2023.

Pathirana was one of their big retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 auction for ₹13 crore. Yet, a disappointing 2025 campaign for him and the side meant the two have at least temporarily parted ways.

Pathirana's release was a major talking point among several fans and former players.

Here, we look at the top five expert reactions to CSK moving on Matheesha Pathirana and releasing him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

#1 Ravichandran Ashwin

Former Indian and CSK off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes the franchise had to let go of Matheesha Pathirana to free up at least ₹40 crore for the 2026 auction. With all their releases, CSK have freed up a massive ₹43.40 crore for the auction next month.

"CSK had to break the 30 crore mark, and move into the 40 crore mark, because they can give a message to the room, and say that, ' We have more money, so please move to the side', we want this player. They only had one way to do that, and that was to release Pathirana. I'm just sticking my neck out and saying this, but Pathirana is an exceptional talent," said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.

Pathirana picked up only 13 wickets in 12 matches in IPL 2025 at a dismal economy of 10.13.

#2 Kris Srikkanth

Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth backed CSK's decision to release Matheesha Parthirana, owing to his indifferent form over the last couple of years. Yet, the Sri Lankan pacer was hampered more by injuries than form in 2024, playing only six matches that season.

"Coming to Pathirana, he had a very ordinary last two seasons. He only performed here and there, nothing great about him," said Srikkanth on his YouTube channel.

Pathirana picked up 13 wickets in his six games in IPL 2024 at an excellent average of 13 and an economy of 7.68.

#3 Mohammad Kaif

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif believes CSK made the big call of releasing Matheesha Pathirana only because of the Sri Lankan's questionable fitness. The right-arm pacer has played only two T20Is for Sri Lanka this year, picking up a lone wicket at a woeful average of 82 and an economy of over 10.

"Pathirana has been a good bowler for them but last year he was very wayward after coming from an injury. His action has caused him to be injured often. They would have looked at whether he is fully fit and can play all matches. He was bowling too many wides last time. That is the only reason for his release. Maybe it is a long-term issue. There is no doubt on the ability. But there is a question mark on fitness," said Kaif on his YouTube channel.

Pathirana was CSK's go-to pace-bowling option at the death in their title-winning 2023 season, finishing with 19 wickets at an average of under 20 in 12 matches.

#4 Irfan Pathan

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed surprise at CSK's decision to release Matheesha Pathirana at the IPL 2026 retention deadline. At 22, the Sri Lankan pacer still has a long career ahead of him despite his frequent injuries and changes in bowling action.

"Matheesha Pathirana brings that skill which is difficult to find, bowling yorkers with that slingy action. If they are thinking to buy him back for cheaper, I don't understand it. It only makes sense if they are looking at someone else and have moved past him," said Pathan on his YouTube channel.

Pathirana's overall IPL record is nothing short of phenomenal, with 47 wickets in 32 games at an average of 21.61.

#5 Harbhajan Singh

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was surprised by CSK letting go of Matheesha Pathirana, given his long-time association with the franchise. Harbhajan also bracketed Devon Conway, a surprising release, calling himself and Pathirana pillars of CSK over the past few years.

They've let go of Pathirana, yes, Pathirana and they've let go of Conway, both of whom were once pillars of the team," said Harbhajan on his YouTube channel.

Pathirana has played only for the Chennai franchise in the IPL, and his lone SA20 campaign in 2024/25 also came for CSK's sister franchise, Joburg Super Kings.