Off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana has established himself in Sri Lanka’s white-ball team since his debut in 2021. However, it was his association with the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) that propelled him into the spotlight a year later.
Despite changes in captaincy in the CSK camp during the 2022 edition of IPL, Theekshana shined with the ball, picking up 12 wickets in nine matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.46.
In the subsequent season, Theekshana once again proved his worth, claiming 11 wickets to help the Super Kings clinch their fifth IPL title.
While Theekshana impressed one and all with his bowling, he received a lot of flak for his fielding performances, especially on social media.
Speaking to Hindustan Times on the sidelines of the International League T20 (ILT20), Theekshana recalled a rather unusual meeting with Dhoni after the IPL 2023 season.
“Right after the finals, Matheesha (Pathirana) and I had to leave. We had a party after the final, and when we were about to leave, we met MS (Dhoni) to say goodbye. He hugged me and said, ‘Next time, no bowling for you. Only batting and fielding’," Theekshana said.
“Last year, I wasn’t pretty good in the field. I dropped 4-5 catches, and I take responsibility for that. Still, they had confidence in me. They didn’t drop me. It is easy to play with him because of that. He knows people can make mistakes, and he gives them chances to improve. That’s the good part about him,” he added.
Dhoni was the first captain to use Theekshana as a death bowler in the shortest format. In his debut season, the Sri Lankan spinner was also tasked to bowl in the powerplay, which is considered as the most challenging period for the bowling team.
“He had confidence in me to do that. It just happened straightaway. Even in the last year, I bowled in the death overs because he had that confidence. And that’s because he will take responsibility for it. Of course, as a bowler, I also have a responsibility, but he assumes accountability for his decisions,” Theekshana stated.
“When I came, he had confidence in me to do that. It just happened straightaway. Even in the last year, I bowled in the death overs because he had confidence. And that’s because he will take responsibility for it. Of course, as a bowler, I also have a responsibility, but he assumes accountability for his decisions.
“It’s a confidence booster. It’s good for me to play under him. It’s a great opportunity for me. All the players who play under him know how good he is with the tactics."
Maheesh Theekshana is currently playing for the Sharjah Warriors at the International League T20.
