India, Nov. 17 -- Chennai Super Kings were the cynosure in the build-up to last week's retention deadline for the IPL 2026 auction, particularly over the blockbuster trade involving Sanju Samson. While the former champions secured the India star by parting with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in a deal with Rajasthan Royals, they raised eyebrows by releasing Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana to free up space in their auction purse.

Chennai had first set their eyes on Pathirana when their performance analyst spotted him and offered him a chance as a net bowler for the 2020 season. However, he had to reject it after his school denied him permission. A year later, Chennai made the offer again, but Sri Lanka Cricket stopped him then due to ...