Mustafizur Rahman’s Brilliant Form Puts Him in CSK’s Radar as Pathirana Replacement
- Mustafizur Rahman has taken 7 wickets in 4 games at an average of 15 in the Asia Cup 2025, proving his T20 brilliance.
- The pacer went unsold in IPL 2025 mega auction but was later signed as a temporary replacement by Delhi Capitals.
- CSK’s death-overs specialist Matheesha Pathirana struggled in IPL 2025, leaking runs at 10.14 economy.
- With Pathirana’s form dipping, Mustafizur is being seen as a potential replacement for CSK in IPL 2026.
Bangladesh’s seasoned pacer Mustafizur Rahman is enjoying a superb run in the Asia Cup 2025, where he has once again proved why he remains one of the finest death-overs bowlers in world cricket. The left-arm seamer has picked up seven wickets across four innings with an excellent average of 15, a strike rate of 12, and a controlled economy rate of 7.00.
His performances have been crucial in Bangladesh’s campaign, as he not only takes wickets but also restricts the flow of runs in the most challenging phases of a T20 match.
From Unsold to Delhi Capitals’ Lifeline
Surprisingly, Mustafizur went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, despite his reputation as a dependable bowler. However, his fortunes changed mid-season when Delhi Capitals roped him in as a temporary replacement for Mitchell Starc, who left the IPL midway due to national duties.
Though Mustafizur impressed in limited appearances, the IPL rulebook prevents franchises from retaining temporary replacements, meaning he will be back in the mini auction ahead of IPL 2026. That sets the stage for fresh interest from multiple franchises, especially Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Pathirana’s Decline Opens the Door
CSK’s go-to death bowler Matheesha Pathirana endured a poor IPL 2025. His stats reflect his struggles:
| Criterion | Matches | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathirana (IPL 2025) | 12 | 13 | 32.62 | 19.31 | 10.14 |
Pathirana’s failure to deliver in the final overs badly hurt CSK’s bowling plans. His form didn’t improve post-IPL either, as he managed just 4 wickets in 5 T20s at a shocking 10.74 economy rate.
In comparison, Mustafizur has been far more effective in T20s this year.
📊 Death Overs Comparison (2025)
| Criterion | Mustafizur | Pathirana |
|---|---|---|
| Wickets | 13 | 12 |
| Average | 16.15 | 28.75 |
| Strike Rate | 14.30 | 15.91 |
| Economy | 6.77 | 10.83 |
Clearly, Mustafizur has been more efficient both in terms of wicket-taking and run-containment in the slog overs.
Why Mustafizur is a Perfect Fit for CSK
The left-arm seamer’s ability to bowl clever cutters, slower balls, and yorkers makes him an ideal fit for Chepauk’s conditions, which favor smart variations. Moreover, Mustafizur has already been part of CSK in the past, where he picked up 14 wickets in 9 matches at a strike rate of 14.71, proving his effectiveness in yellow.
He has also impressed in the middle overs, with an average of 19 and economy of 6.33 this year — versatility that could strengthen CSK’s attack further.
