Indian spin veteran Ravichandran Ashwin on Wednesday spoke on the bowling motion of Sri Lanka and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Matheesha Pathirana and identified that the teen places his again below immense pressure whereas bowling and “gets into awkward positions”. The 21-year-old pacer was one of many standouts for CSK of their fifth-title-winning season final 12 months, taking 19 wickets at a median of 19.52. The pacer not too long ago suffered a hamstring damage throughout the second T20I in opposition to Bangladesh this month. He has performed 12 ODIs and 6 T20Is for Sri Lanka.
Speaking on his Youtube channel on Wednesday, Ashwin stated that Pathirana has a decrease angle of launch, which places his again below pressure and his entrance leg “collapses” whereas releasing the ball. Comparing his motion with Lankan tempo legend Lasith Malinga, with whom the 21-year-old has drawn comparisons as a result of his slingy motion, Ashwin stated that Malinga has a “beautiful” side-on motion which is a lot better for his physique as his again and toes are “parallel to the crease”.
“One problem that he has but Malinga does not have is that his angle of release is much lower. That puts immense strain on his back, and his front leg literally collapses when he releases the ball; the core gets worked up too much, and it is very strenuous. Lasith Malinga goes for a beautiful side-on position. His back and feet will be parallel to the crease. But Pathirana does not get that. The action is breaking, it is rotating, and the torque is huge,” stated Ashwin.
Ashwin later identified that although Malinga speaks extremely of the younger pacer, he’s stepping into “dangerous positions and complications.”
“I understand the complexity of facing him is different, but he is facing different problems now. This might be just his early stages, and his body needs to fill up more, but he is getting into some dangerous positions and complications. In fact, I have worked so much with Malinga, and Malinga himself told me that he’s a great prospect, but he gets into awkward positions, which is what I feel,” he added.
The 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will begin from March 22, with defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) set to conflict with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a South Indian derby at their house arena–MA Chidambaram Stadium. Pathirana may function within the match relying on his health.
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