In the cricketing world, where mentorship can make or break a career, Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana has found a guiding light in none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni. 

In a recently released Chennai Super Kings (CSK) documentary, Pathirana opened up about his deep emotional bond with the former Indian skipper, calling him his "cricketing father."

"Dhoni is like my father, because of the support and the mentorship and the guidance he is giving me when I'm in CSK," said the 22-year-old tearaway quick. "It's very similar to what my father did in my home. That's why I consider Dhoni my cricketing father."

The documentary, a heartfelt glimpse into Pathirana's journey, features candid moments with his parents as well, who echo their son's reverence for the CSK icon. His mother, Shalika, puts it simply yet powerfully: "No words for MS Dhoni. He is the real God. How Matheesha respects his father, like that, he respects Dhoni."

His father, Anura, added his voice to the sentiment: "In Sri Lanka, you are my father. In India, it is MS Dhoni."

Pathirana's association with CSK began in 2022 when he was signed as a replacement for the injured Adam Milne. But his impact has gone far beyond filling in; he's blossomed into one of CSK's most lethal weapons. 

From his breakthrough season in 2023, where he bagged 19 wickets in 12 matches, to a stellar follow-up in 2024 with 13 wickets in just six games, Pathirana has grown into a match-winner. It's no surprise that CSK retained him ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.

And now, already in IPL 2025, he's hit the ground running with back-to-back two-wicket hauls in his first two games, showing just how well he's embraced the franchise's culture—something he credits largely to Dhoni.

"I remember the first time I met Dhoni," Pathirana said with a smile. "He looked at me and said, 'Hi, Mali. How are you?'"

That one word—"Mali"—meant everything.

"It 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."

The nickname also ties into his cricketing identity. Pathirana, often dubbed "Baby Malinga" for his slingy action reminiscent of Sri Lankan great Lasith Malinga, has embraced his unique style and made it his own. But beyond the action and accolades, it's the emotional and personal bond with Dhoni that seems to define his cricketing journey.

The CSK dressing room is often described as a family. For Pathirana, this has been literal. As a young cricketer from Kandy trying to find his place in a foreign land, Dhoni stepped in as a calming presence, a mentor, and above all, a father figure. The bond they share goes beyond the boundary ropes, rooted in trust, respect, and mutual admiration.

It's a rare kind of connection in modern cricket—genuine, unfiltered, and deeply touching.

As Pathirana continues to rise in stature, both in the IPL and for Sri Lanka, his story stands as a testament to the quiet but profound impact a leader like Dhoni can have—not just on the game, but on lives.

And if there's one takeaway from the documentary, it's this: for Matheesha Pathirana, Chennai isn't just a franchise. It's home. And MS Dhoni? He's more than a captain—he's family.