Former India spinner Murali Kartik was all reward for Chennai Super Kings pacer Matheesha Pathirana, following his exploits within the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League. Despite registering three wins on the trot, CSK face choice dilemma forward of their recreation in opposition to the Rajasthan Royals on Thursday. With the pitch in Jaipur more likely to assist spinners, CSK might tempt to play Mitchell Santner as an alternative of Pathirana. While suggesting that Santner may very well be the x-factor for CSK, Kartik mentioned that Pathirana has thrived beneath the management of MS Dhoni, who has used the teen like a distant management.

“Mitchell Santner could replace Theekshana, if he does at all. Pathirana is a seam bowler, he bowls really well in death overs. He’s emerging really well under MS Dhoni. Dhoni uses him like a remote control, Pathirana does what Dhoni wants. So, I won’t replace Pathirana,” Kartik said during a discussion on Cricbuzz.

Kartik added that Santner deserves a spot within the staff as he has the flexibility to contribute in all three departments — batting, bowling and fielding.

“Seam bowling is a weak link for CSK. Akash Singh has done well, he bowled four back-to-back overs in the previous game.. From the first day, I’ve been saying that Mitchell Santner bowls good against any batter in any situation. There’s no better batter among bowlers than Santner. And he’s a gun fielder, his arm movement is brilliant. So, for me, there’s a case for his inclusion. But then, MS looks at the game differently,” he added.

CSK are at present prime of the IPL 2023 factors desk whereas RR are third. Notably, RR had overwhelmed CSK within the reverse fixture earlier this month.