Chennai Super Kings (CSK) dropped a bombshell last month when they released their talismanic seamer Matheesha Pathirana. At the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 16, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) acquired the services of the Sri Lankan pacer for INR 18 crore after Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals showed keen interest.
Having joined the three-time champions, Pathirana decided to write a heartfelt note for his former franchise - CSK. The 22-year-old, who got a 38% hike from
his previous IPL salary, said that playing for CSK shaped him as a cricketer as well as a person. In the last four IPL seasons, CSK gave him the belief and confidence required to succeed. He also rued not being able to take 50 wickets and finishing his stint at the franchise on a high.
In IPL 2025, the Kandy-born picked up 13 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 32.62 and an economy rate of 10.14.
"From a boy with a dream to wearing yellow with pride. CSK gave me more than just cricket it gave me belief, confidence, and a family I will always cherish. From 2022 till the end of 2025, every moment in yellow shaped me as a cricketer and as a person. I always wanted to finish my last season with CSK on a special note, to give my best till the end and reach 50 wickets for this incredible franchise. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make that happen, but the dream and the effort were always from the heart," said Pathirana on Instagram.
Pathirana also highlighted the contributions of the legendary MS Dhoni, CEO Kasi Viswanathan, and the CSK fans for supporting him during the highs and lows.
"I am forever grateful to Dhoni bhai for the guidance and trust, Kasi sir and the management for believing in me, my teammates for standing by me like brothers, and every loyal CSK fan who supported me through every high and low. Your love meant everything to me," said Pathirana.
Chennai will always have a special place in my heart: Pathirana
While Pathirana is all set to begin a new journey at KKR, he promised to keep the Men in Yellow in his heart. He thanked CSK and said that Chennai will always feel like his home.
"Chennai will always have a special place in my heart. Chennai will always feel like home, and yellow will always have a special place in my heart. With respect, gratitude, and pride, I now turn the page and begin a new chapter with KKR. Thank you CSK. Thank you Chennai. Forever grateful," said Pathirana.
Pathirana will now look to help KKR reclaim the coveted title. He is a beast in the shortest format, having bagged 136 wickets from 101 matches at an average of 21.27 and an economy rate of 8.66.
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