Former India player Saba Karim has expressed surprise about the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) releasing Matheesha Pathirana ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. He highlighted that the five-time champions had groomed and mentored the Sri Lankan seamer. Ad Pathirana was among 11 players, including the retired Ravichandran Ashwin, released by CSK ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The Chennai-based franchise also traded out Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to the Rajasthan Royals (RR), while trading in Sanju Samson in return. During a discussion on Star Sports, Saba was asked about his thoughts on the Chennai Super Kings releasing Pathirana ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. “I actually was surprised because they have really invested heavily in Pathirana. They have groomed and mentored him, and he has delivered for CSK on a number of occasions. The fact remains that Pathirana plays in various global leagues. So he has got enough experience of bowling in these conditions or against top-quality batters,” he responded. Ad Trending The former India wicketkeeper-batter opined that CSK should have invested in Pathirana a little more. “Last season, although he didn’t leave on a very high note, he is such a young and exciting talent. You could have always worked more on him and instilled more faith so that he was able to deliver once more. So that was one of the big surprises for me in terms of release for CSK,” Saba observed. Ad On the flip side, Saba Karim noted that the Chennai Super Kings expectedly released Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. However, he added that the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side would have to revamp their playing XI, as Matheesha Pathirana and the two New Zealand batters are no longer part of the squad. “He has probably played in Chennai more than anywhere else” Anil Kumble on Sanju Samson’s move to CSK ahead of IPL 2026 auction In the same video, former India captain Anil Kumble was asked whether the Chennai Super Kings would look to build a young batting lineup, considering Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube are their only experienced retentions, apart from the acquired Sanju Samson. Ad “That’s exactly how Chennai is going to go about it, because they need to strengthen not just with the younger lot, which they have done. I know Sanju Samson is still young, but he has the experience of being a part of the IPL for a long period of time, and he has probably played in Chennai more than anywhere else,” he replied. Ad While observing that Samson would feel at home in Chennai, the former India spinner noted that CSK need to bolster their bowling attack. “So, in that sense, he is more a Chennai person. CSK will certainly have to look beyond the aging stars that they have always had. So that’s one thing they have done, moving Ravindra Jadeja to the Rajasthan Royals. Their bowling attack, however, will have to be strengthened, with Pathirana not being there,” Kumble observed. To conclude, Anil Kumble pointed out that Nathan Ellis would become a key member in the Chennai Super Kings lineup as an overseas fast bowler. While acknowledging the presence of Noor Ahmad, he added that the franchise would still need an Indian spinner. × Feedback Why did you not like this content? Clickbait / Misleading Factually Incorrect Hateful or Abusive Baseless Opinion Too Many Ads Other Was this article helpful? Thank You for feedback Get real-time updates on IPL 2025, live scores, IPL Prediction, match schedule, points table, Result & squad -CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS Edited by Kartik Iyer.
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“They have groomed and mentored him” – Saba Karim surprised by CSK releasing star player ahead of IPL 2026 auction
