Matheesha Pathirana, the right-arm Yorker specialist from Sri Lanka who is also known “Baby Malinga. He has revolutionized the art of bowling in the T20 format cricket matches with his novel bowling style, Yorker deliveries, and death bowling expertise. Whether it is his breathtaking IPL debut performances or the title-winning seasons with the CSK franchise, he has made name for himself. This 23-year-old cricketer has emerged as the most feared finisher in the game who is also the heir to the legacy of legends such as Malinga. Pathirana is the most demanding player as overseas fast bowler with in the IPL 2026 auctions.
Who is Matheesha Pathirana
Matheesha Pathirana is a Sri Lankan cricketer who has gained popularity for his Malinga-like sling shot balling at the speed of 140+ kph. He is a death-over specialist in the LPL and ILT20 leagues and in international T20Is as well. Matheesha Pathirana was unearthed through the platform of the U19 World Cups and the Colombo Premier League. He has risen meteorically in the CSK franchise and has become the youngest overseas IPL champion in 2023 and MS Dhoni’s trusted sidekick. Matheesha Pathirana is the quintessential game-changer in T20 cricket and has his origins in raw talent in the shape of mentorship.
Matheesha Pathirana Age
Matheesha Pathirana age is 23 years old as of 2026. He was born December 17, 2002, in Kandy, Sri Lanka. At the age of 23 years old, Matheesha has already reached an accomplished level with an IPL title and taken more than 100+ wickets in T20I matches.
Matheesha Pathirana Jersey Number
Pathirana wears jersey number 81 for CSK (IPL), Sri Lanka, and franchise leagues, a number that stands for his birth year, making it easier for fans across the world to recall.
Biography Table Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matheesha Malinga Pathirana |
| Date of Birth | December 17, 2002 |
| Age (Jan 2026) | 23 years |
| Birthplace | Kandy, Sri Lanka |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inches (or 185 cm) |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm sling/fast |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
| Role | Death-over specialist |
| Jersey Number | 81 |
| IPL Team 2025 | Chennai Super Kings (retained) |
| Martial Status | Unmarried |
Early Life, Family & Education
Pathirana hails from Kandy, Sri-Lanka and has a sports background. He was initially a baseball player until he changed to cricket at the age of 11. He was influenced by Lasith Malinga’s bowling action which he saw broadcast on TV.
His father Anura Pathirana, post his retirement, worked diligently to help train his son, while school cricketer at Trinity College, Kandy, helped discover his sling action.
His mother Shalika Pathirana is a trained vocalist. Infact his father and mother both are trained vocalists from a musical family. They were also planning to teach Pathirana singing but he choose cricket.
His sister Vishuka Pathirana who is currently a PhD student at the University of Iowa. She supports his brother during matches.
His supporters throughout his journey have been his own family, including his parents attending important milestones such as U19 World Cups and retaining a spot in the CSK.
| Family Members | Details |
|---|---|
| Pathirana’s Father | Anura Pathirana, (trained vocalist) |
| Pathirana’s Mother | Shalika Pathirana, (trained vocalist) |
| Pathirana’s Sister | Vishuka Pathirana |
Matheesha Pathirana Wife
Pathirana is Single and unmarried as of 2026 and there is no dating history. He keeps his personal life private, and all the attention is given to cricket only. And his social media contains only pictures of his family, teammates, and cricket.
Matheesha Pathirana Stats: Till Early 2026
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Figures | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I (SL) | 35 | 52 | 4/24 | 7.45 |
| IPL (CSK) | 28 | 42 | 4/37 | 7.89 |
| LPL | 22 | 31 | 5/22 | 7.12 |
| ILT20 | 8 | 12 | 3/18 | 6.80 |
- 2023 IPL: 19 wickets (Purple Cap contender),
- 2024: Injury-shortened brilliance (13 wkts in 6 games).
Matheesha Pathirana Fastest Ball
Pathirana’s recorded top speed in the match was 150.8 kph (93.7 mph) against the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2023. This was recorded by Hawk-Eye as the highest ever by a Sri Lankan in the Indian Premier League. His sling bowling action gives him added whip to make the yorker indefensible even at slower speeds.
Matheesha Pathirana Current Teams
- International: Sri Lanka (T20I specialist)
- IPL: Chennai Super Kings (retained ₹13 crore, 2025 auction)
- LPL: Kandy Falcons
- Other: Desert Vipers (ILT20)
Matheesha Pathirana Bowling
Regular speed range: 135-145 kph, reaching a peak of 148-151 kph in T20s.
- Extremely unusual for a sling bowler: produces late movement like Malinga despite a low arm action.
- Yorker Accuracy percentage: 78% (in Top 1% worldwide)
Matheesha Pathirana IPL 2026 Team
CSK retained Pathirana for a price of 13 crores (Highest overseas retainer) prior to IPL 2026 mega auctions as he has the guidance of former team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as his mentor. May perform the role of a death bowler along with Mustafizur, Khaleel Ahmed in yellow.
Pathirana: Full Career Journey
2020: U-19 World Cup (7 wickets), broke into SLPL with Jaffna Stallions.
2021: Made T20I debut against India on 31 July.
2022: IPL debut for CSK against GT—dismissed Shubman Gill first ball (First Sri Lankan to achieve this feat). Won the LPL title with Kandy Falcons.
2023: IPL champion (youngest foreign winner), 19 wickets. Hero against AFG in T20Is (4/24).
2024: T20 World Cup squad. Sidelined by IPL hamstring injury but strong pre-injury cricket (13 wkt/6 match).
2025: Retention at CSK, LPL dominance, T20I mainstay.
Pathirana: News & Updates
Dec 2025: Fully fit after hamstring rehabilitation; confirmation of participation in full preseason with CSK.
Jan 2026: Joins CSK camp, talks of being vice-captain in T20 World Cup.
Speculation: Pakistan Super League interest amid scheduling conflicts of the LPL.
Net Worth
The estimated net worth of Matheesha Pathirana is more that ₹45-50 crores, as of 2026: IPL
- His incomes are
- 13 cr in IPL as CSK Retention.
- Endorsements fees from Dream11, CEAT & other brands.
- He also owns home in Kandy, a luxury cars and invested in family businesses.
Social Media Platforms
| Platforms | Account ID | No. of Followers |
|---|---|---|
| @matheesha.pathirana_99 | 1.8M followers | |
| @matheeshapathirana99 | 105K followers | |
| Twiiter/X | @matheesha_81 | 50K Followers |
Trivia & Lesser Known Facts About Pathirana
- He also likes to sing as his parents are vocalists. He has Sung Sinhala songs.
- He dreamed to become Pilot before deciding on cricket as his occupation.
- He was a National baseball for those under 13 but he decided to the switch his career cricket.
- He Describes MS Dhoni as “father figure” and learned T20 death bowling directly.
- Lasith himself coached Matheesha as Next Malinga.
FAQs
As of 2026, Pathirana age 23 years.
Chennai Super Kings (13 crores).
150.8 kph against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023.
No, Pathirana is single and keeps private personal life.
He is Baby Malinga due the right-arm Yorker shiling shot.
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