“After my father, in my cricket life, mostly he (Dhoni) is playing my father’s role because he is always taking care of me, giving me advice, what I have to do, similar to my father when I am at home,” said Pathirana on the latest episode of ‘Lions Upclose’.
Pathirana further revealed that Dhoni doesn’t say much and always stresses on the need to enjoy the game and staying fit.
“He’s not telling a lot of things when I am on the field and off the field. He tells just small things, but it makes a lot of difference. So those little things, I take a lot of confidence (from),” said the 21-year-old Sri Lankan pacer.
“In my cricket life, Dhoni’s like my father”| Lions up close Ft. Matheesha Pathirana
“Off the field, we don’t talk that much; but if I have to ask something from him, definitely I would go to him and ask. Everytime he is telling me ‘enjoy your game and take care of your body’.”
The pacer from Trinity College in Kandy then slipped in a request that is on every CSK fan’s wish-list.
“Mahi bhai, if you can play one more season, please play with us. If I’m here (laughs).”