Maheesh-Theekshana-sportstiger (2)

Picture Credit: IPL

Maheesh Theekshana is one of the five Sri Lankans who are a part of the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The right-arm mystery spinner is a part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) camp this season. Although Theekshana got a chance after a few games, he proved his worth straightway with some brilliant spells. He was instrumental in CSK's first victory of the season against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as well with his bowling figures of 4-0-33-4.

Since that game, Theekshana has become a vital cog in CSK's bowling lineup. MS Dhoni has been utilizing the Sri Lankan bowler to his full potential. He is getting him to bowl early in the innings as well as at the death. And the mystery spinner has not disappointed his skipper at all. But was Theekshana always this good? Has he been the same bowler since he started?

The Sri Lankan got candid about his initial struggles and revealed how he was overweight. He also talked about how he failed to get a game for so long due to his fitness issues. Theekshana revealed his idol’s name as well. 

I was a part of the Sri Lanka U19 squad in 2017-18 but I never had a chance to play cricket because I failed fitness tests two to three times. In 2019, I had to be a water boy in three-day matches. So, I know if I fail, I would go back again to being a water boy and carry water bottles,” said Theekshana on CSK’s YouTube channel.

About his fitness issues, he said, “I was 107 kg at that time. So, I had to work harder to get my weight down. In 2020, I got everything down and got my fitness to the (required) level. I started more bowling, more hard work and in 2021, I got a chance to represent my country,” the CSK spinner added. He named Ajantha Mendis as his inspiration. 

I never thought CSK will pick me: Maheesh Theekshana

Talking about his stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the Sri Lanka cricketer said that he never thought the four-time champions will pick him. “I had a chance with CSK in 2021 as a net bowler but I never thought they will pick me this year (as well),” said Theekshana.