Young fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has emerged as a formidable force in the cricketing world, dazzling top batsmen with his deadly yorkers in the Indian Premier League (IPL). As Sri Lanka heads into the T20 World Cup, hopes are high that the 21-year-old will be a game-changer for the team.

Nicknamed "Baby Malinga" for his unorthodox, slinging bowling style reminiscent of Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga, Pathirana has already made a mark despite his limited international experience, having played only 12 ODIs and six T20 matches for Sri Lanka. His performance as a death-over specialist has been particularly impressive.

Pathirana's recent IPL stint with Chennai Super Kings saw him take 13 wickets in six matches before a hamstring injury cut his season short. His absence was felt deeply by his teammates. However, his quick recovery has been a relief for Sri Lanka, as he joins the squad led by Wanindu Hasaranga for the T20 World Cup, which kicks off on June 1 in the West Indies and the United States.

"Sri Lanka is banking on Matheesha Pathirana to turn around their fortunes in the upcoming T20 World Cup," cricket writer Rex Clementine noted in The Island newspaper. Clementine praised Pathirana's IPL performances, highlighting his skill in delivering unplayable death overs. "If he is able to get his line right without being wayward, he will have a major impact in this competition," he added.

Lasith Malinga expressed his excitement about Pathirana's potential, emphasizing the young bowler's natural abilities and positive attitude. "He's very positive in the match. Those aren't things we can teach him. Those are things he's got naturally," Malinga told Cricinfo. "He's got the ability to make a decision. He's quite clear in his thinking."

Sri Lanka's chief selector Upul Tharanga is optimistic about Pathirana's role in the team's strategy, particularly in the final overs. Pathirana, alongside 29-year-old pacer Nuwan Thushara, is expected to deliver crucial yorkers. Malinga praised the prospect of having two yorker specialists in the same tournament, calling it "crazy" and asserting that Sri Lanka's bowling lineup could be the best in the world.

Pathirana's standout performance in the IPL included a match-winning 4-28 against the Mumbai Indians, earning him player of the match honors and overshadowing a century by India captain Rohit Sharma. His ability to take key wickets at crucial moments, such as T20 specialist Suryakumar Yadav and Romario Shepherd, has been a testament to his prowess.

A significant factor in Pathirana's development has been the mentorship of Chennai Super Kings' mainstay and India's former captain, M.S. Dhoni. Pathirana credits Dhoni for his guidance, likening him to a father figure. "He always takes care of me, and gives me some advice on what I have to do — similar to my father when I'm at home," Pathirana shared on Chennai's YouTube channel.

Dhoni's advice for Pathirana to focus on the 20-over format rather than Tests has seemingly paid off. Pathirana's unique wicket celebration, inspired by Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, has also made him a favorite among broadcasters and fans alike.

Sri Lanka, the 2014 T20 World Cup champions, will begin their campaign against South Africa in New York on June 3. They will also face Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Netherlands in the group stage, with high hopes resting on Pathirana's shoulders to lead them to glory.