‘MS Dhoni uses him like a remote control’ – Murali Karthik’s bold statement on star CSK bowler

The table toppers, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will lock horns against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the reverse fixture at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, in Jaipur on Thursday, April 27.  KL Rahul’s team narrowly defeated the Royals’ in the last match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), which was also the team’s first game in Jaipur this year. Former India spinner Murali Kartik has stated that the team may be tempted to give Mitchell Santner a game.

Kartik stated that Matheesha Pathirana may make way for Santner rather than Maheesh Theekshana and made an intriguing comment about the latter. “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, and Pathirana does what Dhoni wants. So, I won’t replace Pathirana,” Karthik was quoted as saying on Cricbuzz.

MS looks at the game differently: Murali Karthik

“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 well 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,” the left-arm spinner asserted.

Pathirana has four wickets at a 7.58 economy rate in three games this year. He has bowled very well in the last overs for the Super Kings and is probably going to keep his spot in the lineup against the Royals. With four victories in seven games and third place in the IPL 2023 standings, RR will be looking to snap their two-game losing skid later on Thursday.