MS Dhoni is arguably the biggest draw for fans when they go to watch a match involving the Chennai Super Kings. Having played for the franchise since IPL 2008, Dhoni has also played a mentor to a lot of players. One such player is Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana. He was a rookie pacer when he came into the CSK setup, and now he has become one of the top death over specialists in world cricket. He has now reserved special praise for Dhoni.

In an interaction with CSK on their social media channels, Matheesha Pathirana said that MS Dhoni is like his father because of the support and mentorship he receives when he is with the franchise. This is very similar to what his father does at home.

"Dhoni is like my father, because of the support and the mentorship and the guidance he is giving me when I'm in CSK. It's very similar to what my father did in my home. That's why I consider Dhoni my cricketing father," Pathirana said.

Matheesha Pathirana bowls with a sling arm action which is very similar to Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga. Hence, MS Dhoni nicknamed him Mali, which is short for Malinga. In the interaction, Pathirana said that Mali is Sri Lanka means younger brother. Hence, he feels special when a legend like Dhoni addresses him as 'Mali'

"It [Mali] is very familiar to me, because when we are in Sri Lanka, Mali means the younger brother...So that kind of legend calls me 'Mali', wow, this is so good. That's so good," he added.

Chennai Super Kings are all set to take on Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025 on April 5. According to a report by The Indian Express, MS Dhoni is likely to captain CSK in the match, as Ruturaj Gaikwad injured his forearm while facing a Tushar Deshpande delivery in their last match against Rajasthan Royals.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from IPL 2025,IPL Orange Cap, IPL Purple Cap, Most Sixes in IPL, Cricket, Sports and around the world.