Former India cricketer MS Dhoni is arguably the best captain who has led the Men in Blue. Team India won all the ICC titles of that time under his captaincy. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter also nurtured young talents like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja, who are making big records in international cricket.
The 43-year-old wicketkeeper batter has already announced his retirement from international cricket and is currently playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as a player. Dhoni is also one of the most successful captains in the history of the IPL. Under his captaincy, CSK lifted five IPL titles, which is the joint most by any team.
Matheesha Pathirana compared MS Dhoni with his father for his mentorship and commitment, and the guidance during IPL.
In a documentary released by CSK, Pathirana's mother expresses her gratitude to Dhoni, CSK's mascot since the inception of the IPL in 2008, saying, "No words about Dhoni. Really [like] god. Matheesha, how he respects [his] father, like that [he shows] respect to Dhoni."
"Dhoni is like my father, because of the support and the mentorship and the guidance he is giving me when I'm in CSK," Pathirana said. "It's very similar to what my father did in my home. That's why I consider Dhoni my cricketing father."
Pathirana, who started his IPL 2025 campaign with two wicket hauls in his two appearances, recalled his first meeting with MS Dhoni.
"Hi, Mali. How are you?" said Dhoni asked young pacer. The "Mali" comes from Pathirana's cricketing nickname - "Baby Malinga" - since he had modelled his bowling action on Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga.
"It [Mali] is very familiar to me, because when we are in Sri Lanka, Mali means the younger brother," Pathirana said. "So that kind of legend calls me 'Mali', wow, this is so good. That's so good."
CSK have played three matches in IPL 2025, where the side managed to win a single clash against the Mumbai Indians (MI). They lost their last two clashes against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), respectively. CSK will now face Delhi Capitals for the fourth clash of the ongoing IPL, which will take place on April 5 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.