Sri Lanka’s gun fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has hailed MS Dhoni and CSK for playing a key role in the nascent stages of his career. Pathirana feels Chennai Super Kings and the IPL have given a right launchpad to his young career.

The fast bowler has taken giant strides in his career and attributed his success to the franchise and MS Dhoni. Pathirana has been brilliant in his short IPL career so far, taking 34 wickets in 20 matches at an average of 17.41 and an economy rate of 7.88.

Pathirana has bagged 14 wickets in nine T20Is whereas he has scalped 17 wickets in 14 ODIs for Sri Lanka.

“After my under-19s, I was not in any squads in Sri Lanka. But since my debut for CSK, I got those chances and got selected for Sri Lanka’s main team. Playing for CSK is a gift from god for me. Until I played for CSK, not many knew me. Sharing the dressing room with Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) is very special for youngsters like me, especially coming from Sri Lanka,” Pathirana said on Sportstar.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will have their work cut out as they will take on T20 World Cup champions India in a three-match T20I series. Pathirana feels it will be a great confidence booster for the hosts if they can cause an upset.

“I think it will be a good challenge. India is coming with a new coach and some new players; their combination will be slightly different. But it will be a good challenge for us because they are world champions. We have a very good side and a lot of talent and potential. Unfortunately, we didn’t do well in the T20 World Cup. But if we can win this series, it will be a confidence booster for the next three years,” said Pathirana.

The first T20I between India and Sri Lanka will be played at Pallekele on Saturday.