Can CSK buy Matheesha Pathirana back if they release him before IPL 2026 Auction?

Overview

• Matheesha Pathirana is reported to be released by the Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL Auction for the 2026 season
• Pathirana was retained by CSK for INR 13 crores, who gave bad performances in the second half of the IPL 2025
• While CSK is reported to buy him back for a lower price, it might not be possible in a mini auction

Matheesha Pathirana is reported to be released by the Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL Auction for the 2026 season. Pathirana was retained by CSK for INR 13 crores, who gave bad performances in the second half of the IPL 2025. While CSK is reported to buy him back for a lower price, it might not be possible in a mini auction.

Death bowling is one of those skills whose resources aren't usually abundant. The fact that bowlers need to concede as less runs as possible when the batters either set or with power tend to go after them makes it a tough ask.

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Pathirana is one of the few bowlers who can nail yorkers for fun. In 2023 and 2024, he was one of the best bowlers in the league and possibly the best at the death. As he had bad outings in the second half of 2025, CSK is probably eyeing to release and buy him back for a lower price.

Can CSK buy Pathirana back if they release him before IPL 2026?

However, a bowler of Pathirana's caliber for a retention of INR 13 crores was already a bargain deal in itself. While the dynamics of the auction can vary from one season to another and the form of the player, Pathirana is young and is only likely to get better.

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It might be difficult for CSK to buy him back for a price lower than INR 13 crores. Given his bowling in the death overs, Pathirana commands more money. Teams that would have more purse than CSK with fewer roles to fill would eye to compete with CSK, which could make their case hard.