CSK Release Matheesha Pathirana, Devon Conway, and Rachin Ravindra in Major Squad Reshuffle

Chennai Super Kings have made a surprising last-minute decision to release Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana just hours before the IPL 2026 retention deadline on November 15, 2025. The five-time IPL champions, who had retained the 23-year-old for a substantial INR 13 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, have now decided to part ways with “Baby Malinga” following weeks of deliberation. This strategic move comes as CSK undertakes one of the most comprehensive squad overhauls in recent IPL history, releasing 11 players in total—the highest among all franchises.

Understanding the Decision: Why CSK Released Pathirana

The decision to release Matheesha Pathirana stems from multiple factors that complicated his continued association with the Yellow Brigade. His IPL 2025 campaign fell significantly short of expectations, with performance metrics revealing a troubling decline from his championship-winning form in 2023.

Matheesha Pathirana’s IPL Performance Comparison

The statistics paint a stark picture of Pathirana’s struggles in the most recent season. His economy rate ballooned to 10.13 runs per over—a dramatic increase from his championship-winning 8.01 economy in 2023. The 23-year-old managed just 13 wickets across 12 matches, averaging 33.11 with the ball, numbers that simply didn’t justify his hefty price tag.

The Injury Concerns and Modified Action

Beyond the statistics, Matheesha Pathirana’s recurring injury problems played a significant role in CSK’s decision-making process. A hamstring injury curtailed his participation in IPL 2024, limiting him to just six matches despite taking 13 wickets. The injury concerns persisted into 2025, with Pathirana missing CSK’s season opener and several subsequent matches.

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming and bowling consultant Eric Simons publicly acknowledged that Pathirana’s bowling action had been modified by Sri Lanka Cricket officials, which significantly impacted his effectiveness. Fleming suggested the action change became evident during the SA20 tournament in South Africa, where Pathirana played for Joburg Super Kings before leaving midway through the competition.

The modified release point affected his signature slingy action that had made him one of the most feared death-overs specialists in the competition. Batsmen began reading his variations more effectively, particularly during a disastrous outing against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium where he conceded 34 runs in just 1.4 overs, including three consecutive sixes to Suryakumar Yadav.

CSK’s Comprehensive Squad Overhaul

Pathirana’s release forms part of a sweeping restructure that sees CSK entering the IPL 2026 mini-auction with one of the strongest financial positions among all ten franchises. The Yellow Army released 11 players in total, freeing up substantial resources for the auction scheduled for December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi.

CSK’s Complete Release List for IPL 2026

The blockbuster trade that sent Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Sanju Samson represents one of the biggest deals in IPL history, signaling CSK’s willingness to make bold decisions to reshape their squad.

Financial Strategy: Building the War Chest

With the BCCI adding an additional INR 5 crore to each franchise’s auction purse, CSK will enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a substantial INR 43.40 crore—the second-highest budget behind only Kolkata Knight Riders’ INR 64.30 crore. This financial flexibility allows the franchise to target premium players across multiple positions.

The decision to release Pathirana despite his INR 13 crore retention price demonstrates CSK’s strategic thinking. Reports suggest the franchise remains open to buying back the Sri Lankan pacer at the auction, potentially at a significantly reduced price that better reflects his current form and injury concerns.

CSK’s Retained Core for IPL 2026

Despite the extensive releases, CSK has retained 15 players who will form the foundation of their squad going forward. The retention list reflects a balance between experienced campaigners and promising youth talent.

Retained Players: Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), MS Dhoni, Sanju Samson (via trade), Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, and Mukesh Choudhary.

The acquisition of Sanju Samson at INR 18 crore represents a significant statement of intent. The wicketkeeper-batsman brings proven leadership credentials and explosive batting ability, potentially taking over captaincy duties from Ruturaj Gaikwad as the franchise navigates this transition phase.

Pathirana’s Legacy with Chennai Super Kings

Despite the disappointing end to his CSK tenure, Matheesha Pathirana’s contributions to the franchise deserve recognition. Discovered and mentored by MS Dhoni, who reportedly watched footage of Pathirana bowling in a local schools match in Kandy before writing him a letter during the COVID-19 pandemic, the young pacer became an integral part of CSK’s success story.

Pathirana made his IPL debut in 2022 with immediate impact, dismissing Shubman Gill on his very first delivery to become the first Sri Lankan and ninth player overall to achieve this feat. His breakthrough 2023 season saw him claim 19 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 8.01, playing a pivotal role in CSK’s fifth championship triumph. He became the youngest overseas player to win an IPL title, cementing his place in franchise folklore.

His slingy action, modeled after legendary Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga, made him one of the most recognizable bowlers in the competition. The raw pace above 140 kmph combined with sharp swing and pinpoint yorkers made him a nightmare for batsmen in death overs during his peak.

What’s Next for Both Parties?

For Matheesha Pathirana, the IPL 2026 mini-auction presents an opportunity for redemption. At just 23 years old, he has ample time to address his technical and fitness concerns. Several franchises looking for death-overs specialists may view him as a calculated gamble worth taking, especially at a price point significantly lower than INR 13 crore.

CSK’s strategy appears clear—strengthen the auction purse, target specific needs, and potentially reacquire Pathirana if the price is right. The franchise has historically shown loyalty to players who fit their system, and the door may not be permanently closed for the young Sri Lankan.

With Nathan Ellis already in the squad as a reliable overseas seamer and the ability to target other pace options at the auction, CSK can afford this calculated risk. The franchise’s track record of nurturing young talent and making smart auction decisions suggests they have a clear plan for squad reconstruction.

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