Pathirana: Sri Lanka's death 'sensation' for T20 World Cup

Young fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has rattled the world's top batsmen with his toe-crushing yorkers in the Indian Premier League and looks set to boost Sri Lanka's chances in the T20 World

Matheesha Pathirana (Image Source: Google)

Father-figure Dhoni

Pathirana has made a consistent impact in the world's most popular T20 league since joining Chennai and credits his performance to the mentorship of team mainstay M.S. Dhoni, India's former captain.

"In my cricket life, mostly he is playing my father's role," Pathirana said on Chennai's YouTube channel.

"He always takes care of me, and gives me some advice on what I have to do -- similar to my father when I'm in my home," he added.

"He's just telling me small things, but it makes a lot of difference, and it gives me a lot of confidence."

Dhoni last year suggested that Pathirana should steer clear of Tests to focus primarily on the 20-over format.

Pathirana has also been a broadcaster's favourite with a wicket celebration that sees him fold his hands to the chest and look to the sky, which the youngster admits is modelled on Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sri Lanka, who won the title in 2014, begin their World Cup campaign against South Africa in New York on June 3 and also face Bangladesh, Nepal and the Netherlands in the group stage.