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| Malinga's slingy action is natural; Pathirana didn't replicate it. Athlete Bilal Fassy |
Pathirana has also acquired nicknames like Podi (Little) Malinga in Sri Lanka and Baby Malinga among Chennai Super Kings (CSK) supporters due to his Malinga-like actions.
For IPL champions CSK, Pathirana had a breakout season. Mahendra Singh Dhoni turned to him when the going got tough since he took 19 wickets from 12 games.
As Dhoni develops the 20-year-old into CSK's designated death-overs specialist, Fassy believes that the Sri Lankan cricket establishment should treat him with the utmost caution.
Many people believe that he modelled his action after Malinga after they watch it. Malinga also trained Pathirana. But given that it can put a lot of stress on his young body, he came to me from the start with this action, and we merely worked on it a little," Fassy told PTI.
Despite having a growing reputation, Pathirana continues to consult Fassy, who directs the cricket training facility at Pallekele's Trinity College.
When Pathirana first joined Fassy's camp five years ago, the genuine ability to produce pace left Fassy in awe.
He (Pathirana) was swift by nature. Unlike some other guys, he did not need to exert much effort to pick up speed. Additionally, as you may have noticed when watching him bowl in the IPL, he was also incredibly precise. He has a quick and accurate yorker that even the greatest players might struggle with.
He stated, "His arm speed is simply remarkable.
Fassy advised against placing too many demands on the young man.
"He has talent, and with the right encouragement, he can achieve much. Don't compare him to legends like Malinga or (Chaminda) Vaas though—he's just getting started.
"Let him be himself, build on his abilities, and leave his mark. He is crucial to Lanka.
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