Chennai Super Kings’ former pacer Laxmipathy Balaji highlighted that the return of Matheesha Pathirana is a good sign for the franchise. The Sri Lankan pacer missed the opening game of the season against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

In his absence, Mustafizur Rahman made his CSK debut and the left-arm seamer was able to impress straight away. Rahman bagged a four-wicket haul (4-29) against RCB as he bowled at the top of his game.

On the other hand, Pathirana scalped 19 wickets in 12 matches of the previous season and played a key role in taking CSK to glory under the tutelage of MS Dhoni. Pathirana was right on the money in the death overs and got the job done for CSK.

“Obviously, for a new entrant like Mustafizur to perform on the very first game was phenomenal. But what Pathirana did was he provided the cushion CSK wanted for a long time especially after Bravo because Bravo used to provide that cushion during the death overs to CSK,” stated Balaji on Star Sports press room.

“Pathirana straightaway got fit into that role and it probably depends on how well new ball bowlers bowl according to that, probably Pathirana might have to wait. Because Mustafizur can bowl in the death and in the start as well. So probably in that aspect I feel it’s a good headache to have when you have a fit Pathirana into the side and apart from that.”

Balaji feels it is crucial for newly appointed skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad to read the game well. Former Indian pacer feels Gaikwad will do well as he has got MS Dhoni by his side.

Balaji concluded, “I think it’s the captain who has to have the trust and also kind of comfort with the bowler’s perspective. So Ruturaj will have to get some understanding and time. We have seen what MS Dhoni did with Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur and Pathirana now it’s a time where Ruturaj has to step in and take the take the advice and go with gut feeling he has.”

CSK will face Gujarat Titans on Tuesday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.