Matheesha Pathirana, dubbed “Baby Malinga” for his slingy bowling action, has emerged as a key pacer for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025, despite battling injury setbacks. On May 20, 2025, Matheesha Pathirana played his last recorded IPL match against Rajasthan Royals, showcasing his trademark yorkers, though his season has been marred by limited appearances due to recovery challenges. As CSK aims for playoff glory in IPL 2025, Matheesha Pathirana’s pace and precision remain vital. This article explores Matheesha Pathirana’s net worth, car collection, achievements, records, controversies, relationships, social media presence, and his performances in IPL 2025, offering a comprehensive look at his meteoric rise.
Early Life and Path to Prominence
Born on December 18, 2002, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Matheesha Pathirana grew up in a musically inclined family. His father, Anura Pathirana, and mother, Shalika Pathirana, are classical musicians, but Matheesha Pathirana’s passion was cricket. His mother once burned his cricket bat in frustration over his obsession, as noted on Wikipedia, but Matheesha Pathirana’s determination prevailed. At Trinity College, Kandy, he gained fame by taking 6 wickets for 7 runs in a school match, a viral video of which caught CSK captain MS Dhoni’s attention, per @venkatatweets on X.
Matheesha Pathirana’s domestic debut came in 2021 for SLC Greys in the SLC Invitational T20 League. His Under-19 World Cup performances in 2020 and 2022, where he bowled fiery spells, earned him the “Baby Malinga” moniker for mimicking Lasith Malinga’s action. Matheesha Pathirana’s IPL debut for CSK in 2022, replacing Adam Milne, was historic, dismissing Shubman Gill with his first ball, becoming the first Sri Lankan to achieve this feat, per MyKhel. His international debut followed in August 2022 against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup, cementing Matheesha Pathirana’s status as a rising star.
Matheesha Pathirana’s IPL 2025 Performance
Matheesha Pathirana’s IPL 2025 season has been disrupted by injuries, limiting his appearances. His last recorded match was on May 20, 2025, against Rajasthan Royals, where he bowled without taking wickets, conceding 28 runs in 3.4 overs, per UCCricket.live. Earlier, against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he took 0/39, and against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), he claimed 3/36, per Times of India. However, Matheesha Pathirana was ruled out of CSK’s high-profile clash against RCB on March 28, 2025, due to ongoing recovery from a hamstring injury, as confirmed by coach Stephen Fleming, per NDTV Sports. He also missed the season opener against Mumbai Indians (MI), with Nathan Ellis preferred, per Cricxtasy.
Despite these setbacks, Matheesha Pathirana’s impact when fit has been undeniable. In four matches this season, he took five wickets, per Cricxtasy, with fans on X praising his death-over prowess, one post noting, “Matheesha Pathirana’s yorkers are CSK’s trump card.” His absence in the CSK vs. KKR match, where he was named an impact substitute but not used, sparked strategic debates, per Cricxtasy. CSK’s retention of Matheesha Pathirana for ₹13 crore ahead of IPL 2025 underscores their faith in his long-term potential, per Sportskeeda.
Matheesha Pathirana’s Net Worth in 2025
As of May 2025, Matheesha Pathirana’s net worth is estimated at ₹5–8 crore ($600,000–$1 million), driven by his IPL contract and endorsements. Here’s a breakdown of his financial portfolio:
- SLC Contract: Matheesha Pathirana earns a modest retainer from Sri Lanka Cricket, approximately ₹50 lakh annually, plus match fees of ₹3 lakh per T20I and ₹6 lakh per ODI.
- IPL Earnings: Matheesha Pathirana joined CSK in 2022 for ₹20 lakh as a replacement. His salary rose to ₹13 crore for IPL 2025, a significant jump, per UCCricket.live. His total IPL earnings are around ₹13.5 crore, with 46 wickets in 30 matches at an average of 20.98, per MyKhel.
- Endorsements: Matheesha Pathirana endorses local Sri Lankan brands, earning ₹30–50 lakh annually. His “Baby Malinga” fame may attract global sponsors post-IPL 2025.
- Assets: Matheesha Pathirana likely owns a house in Kandy, valued at ₹50 lakh–₹1 crore, though details are private.
Matheesha Pathirana’s net worth reflects his rapid rise, with his IPL 2025 retention signaling future financial growth.
Matheesha Pathirana’s Car Collection
Matheesha Pathirana’s car collection is modest, aligning with his young career stage. Based on his net worth and Sri Lankan context, here are the likely vehicles he owns:
- Toyota Corolla: Valued at ₹20–30 lakh in Sri Lanka, this reliable sedan suits Matheesha Pathirana’s practical needs.
- Honda CR-V: Priced at ₹35–45 lakh, this SUV may be part of his collection, reflecting his growing status.
As Matheesha Pathirana’s IPL 2025 earnings increase, fans anticipate he may add luxury cars like a BMW or Audi, inspired by his CSK teammates.
Achievements and Records
Matheesha Pathirana’s career is marked by notable achievements, despite his limited IPL 2025 appearances. Here are his standout accomplishments:
- IPL Debut Feat (2022): Matheesha Pathirana dismissed Shubman Gill with his first ball against GT, becoming the first Sri Lankan to take a wicket on IPL debut, per MyKhel.
- IPL 2023 Title: Matheesha Pathirana took 19 wickets in 12 matches, the third-highest for CSK, helping them win their fifth title. He was the youngest overseas player to win an IPL trophy, per Wikipedia.
- Best IPL Figures (2024): Matheesha Pathirana’s 4/28 against MI in IPL 2024 was his career-best, per UCCricket.live.
- T20I Breakthrough (2023): Matheesha Pathirana’s 4/24 against Afghanistan, including two wickets in the penultimate over, was a match-winning spell, per Wikipedia.
- Under-19 World Cup (2020): Matheesha Pathirana’s fiery pace, including a 175 kph delivery (a speed gun glitch), gained global attention, per CREX.
- School Cricket Record (2019): Matheesha Pathirana took 6/7 for Trinity College, a viral performance that led to his CSK signing, per @venkatatweets on X.
Matheesha Pathirana’s slingy action and yorkers, praised by MS Dhoni, continue to define his IPL 2025 role.
Controversies
Matheesha Pathirana has maintained a clean image, with minimal controversies. However, a few incidents have sparked discussion:
- Injury Absences (2025): Matheesha Pathirana’s absence from key IPL 2025 matches, including against MI and RCB, due to a hamstring injury, led to fan frustration, with some on X questioning his fitness, per NDTV Sports. CSK coach Stephen Fleming’s comments on his recovery sparked speculation, per DinamaniDaily.
- Strategic Exclusion (2025): Matheesha Pathirana’s non-use as an impact substitute against KKR, despite being named, was criticized as a tactical error, per Cricxtasy.
Matheesha Pathirana’s focus on recovery and performance has kept controversies at bay, with his IPL 2025 wickets silencing critics.
Relationships and Personal Life
As of May 2025, Matheesha Pathirana is unmarried and has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships. His parents, Anura and Shalika, are his biggest supporters, despite initial resistance to his cricket obsession. Based in Kandy, Matheesha Pathirana leads a disciplined lifestyle, mentored by MS Dhoni, whom he calls his “father in India,” per MyKhel. His admiration for Lasith Malinga shapes his bowling, and his gratitude for Dhoni’s guidance is evident in quotes like, “Dhoni taught me T20 cricket,” per Wikipedia. Fans on X celebrate his South Asian story, with one post noting, “Matheesha Pathirana’s rise with CSK is beautiful,” per @afidelf.
Official Social Media Links
Matheesha Pathirana engages with fans through his official social media accounts, sharing updates on his cricketing journey:
- Instagram: matheesha.pathirana – Matheesha Pathirana posts about matches, training, and CSK moments.
- Twitter/X: @matheesha_81– Matheesha Pathirana shares career updates and interacts with fans.
- Facebook: Matheesha Pathirana – His official page features match highlights and milestones.
These platforms amplify Matheesha Pathirana’s brand, with fans praising his IPL 2025 efforts, such as his 3/36 against RCB.
Recent Updates and IPL 2025 Highlights
Matheesha Pathirana’s IPL 2025 season has been challenging due to injuries. His absence from CSK’s opener against MI on March 23, 2025, and the RCB clash on March 28, 2025, was due to a hamstring injury, per NDTV Sports. Against KKR, he took 0/39, and against RCB, he claimed 3/36, per Times of India. His last match on May 20, 2025, against Rajasthan Royals saw him concede 28 runs without wickets, per UCCricket.live. A collision with Ravindra Jadeja during the RCB match, dropping Jacob Bethell, drew attention, per Sportskeeda.
Matheesha Pathirana’s retention for ₹13 crore reflects CSK’s long-term vision, per Timesofplay.com. His 2023 IPL performance (19 wickets) and 2024 season (13 wickets in six matches) highlight his potential, per Cricgrid.com. Posts on X suggest he may return for CSK’s playoff push, with Dhoni’s mentorship guiding him, per @ImTanujSingh. His Lanka Premier League stint with Colombo Strikers for $120,000 in 2024 added experience, per @OfficialSLC.
Hobbies and Interests
Matheesha Pathirana enjoys music, fitness training, and watching cricket highlights. His early interest in baseball, before switching to cricket, reflects his athletic versatility, per Wikipedia. Mentored by Chaminda Vaas, Matheesha Pathirana’s disciplined approach aligns with his goal to emulate Malinga’s legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Matheesha Pathirana’s role in IPL 2025?
Matheesha Pathirana is a fast bowler for Chennai Super Kings, taking five wickets in four matches, though injuries limited his appearances, per Cricxtasy.
2. What is Matheesha Pathirana’s net worth?
As of May 2025, Matheesha Pathirana’s net worth is estimated at ₹5–8 crore, from his IPL contract, SLC earnings, and endorsements.
3. Is Matheesha Pathirana married?
No, Matheesha Pathirana is unmarried as of May 2025 and has not confirmed any romantic relationships.
4. What are Matheesha Pathirana’s major achievements?
Matheesha Pathirana won the IPL 2023 title with CSK, took 4/28 against MI in 2024, and was the youngest overseas IPL champion, per Wikipedia.
5. What cars does Matheesha Pathirana own?
Matheesha Pathirana’s car collection likely includes a Toyota Corolla and Honda CR-V, valued at ₹55–75 lakh.
6. Why was Matheesha Pathirana criticized in IPL 2025?
Matheesha Pathirana faced criticism for missing key matches due to injuries and non-use as an impact substitute against KKR, per Cricxtasy.
Conclusion
Matheesha Pathirana’s slingy action and yorkers, despite injury challenges in IPL 2025, highlight his status as CSK’s rising star. With a net worth of ₹5–8 crore, a modest car collection, and records like the youngest overseas IPL champion, Matheesha Pathirana continues to inspire. His clean image, supportive family, and mentorship under MS Dhoni make him a fan favorite. As Matheesha Pathirana aims to return for CSK’s playoff push, his journey as “Baby Malinga” is set to soar.
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