Matheesha Pathirana has been making right noises since his IPL debut (for CSK) last season, mainly for his yorkers, but more so for his celebration too, attracting everyone’s attention. While his death bowling, including searing toe-crushers and back-of-the-hand slower ones is as impressive as anything the fans have seen, his unique celebration too falls in the same category.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Pathirana was CSK’s best bowler against Mumbai Indians the other night, picking four wickets, and each time celebrated with his unique celebration of folding his hands and closing his eyes. The celebration resembles that of WWE superstar The Undertaker.
ALSO READ | Fleming’s advice to BCCI selectors for T20 WC squad selection – ‘Identify a template and then pick players’
Shivam Dube, another CSK superstar from MI’s game, who hit a brilliant 66 off 38 balls, including hitting two sixes and 10 fours, chatted with Pathirana after the game, and asked him a question around his celebration.
Although Dube was expecting an answer around the Undertaker, Pathirana said he does this because he’s a huge Cristiano Ronaldo fan, and tries to mimic his celebration.
“No, it is not The Undertaker. I follow Cristiano Ronaldo and try to do his celebration. I try to close my eyes. I can’t do that, unfortunately,” Pathirana told Dube during their post-match interaction.
“So, that’s why you become The Undertaker?” Dube questioned as both broke into laughter.
Pathirana continues to shine for CSK
The 21-year-old has been a find for the five-time champions, contributing to their success (by helping them win the title last year. The improved Pathirana delivered against the high-flying MI while defending 206 at the Wankhede Stadium.
At a time when Mumbai openers were cruising ahead, Pathirana’s introduction broke their momentum, as the Sri Lanka seamer picked wicket on the first ball of his spell by dismissing Ishan Kishan. He then got the big fish in Suryakumar Yadav two balls later to further dent MI’s chances.
Although Rohit Sharma kept MI in the chase with his unbeaten 105, Pathirana’s second spell was the reason the touring team came on the top.
The death-over specialist removed Tilak Varma and Romario Shepherd to put MI on the mat, eventually returning with figures of four for 28.
The Undertaker’s return
On the other side, WWE veteran The Undertaker also returned during the main event of night 2 between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40. The Undertaker surprised everyone and choke slammed The Rock.
Following that, Cody made most of the chance and beat Roman to end his run as the WWE Undisputed Universal Champion.
You can now write for Baazigarnews.com and be a part of the Baazigar family. Share your stories and opinions with us here.
