Chennai Super Kings’ inevitable elimination from IPL 2025 has reopened several debates and one of them involves the decision to retain Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana ahead of mega auction last year.
Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru analyst Prasanna Agoram took to social media after CSK's elimination to revisit a controversial opinion he had shared months ago - his advice against retaining Pathirana ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
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What did former RCB analyst Prasanna Agoram say on fan backlash?
Prasanna, who previously worked with RCB, had publicly stated before the IPL 2025 mega auction in November last year that CSK should not retain Pathirana. The comment didn’t sit well with CSK’s massive fanbase, especially after the Sri Lankan pacer had a strong IPL 2023 season.
“I was abused by 10 million people the worst way I could ever imagine when I said he should not be retained prior to the auctions. But now people slowly changing those hate to love,” Prasanna wrote on X.
His post came shortly after CSK’s defeat to Punjab Kings in Match 49 which sealed their fate for the season. CSK have won only two times in ten matches and they sit at the bottom of the table with four points.
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In eight matches this season, Pathirana has taken just nine wickets with a high average of 33.11 and an expensive economy rate of 10.39.
Bowling coach Eric Simons recently defended Pathirana. He said that his accuracy hasn’t dropped and it's the batters that have adapted to his style.
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“His lines are quite good... the batsmen are treating him differently this year,” Simons said.
He also pointed out that Pathirana is still recovering from a previous action change - something that may have impacted his rhythm.
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CSK’s decision to retain Pathirana now appears questionable in hindsight, especially given their dismal season and the bowler’s struggles. With a major rebuild likely ahead of IPL 2026, voices like Prasanna’s - once drowned out by fan backlash - are now gaining renewed relevance.