Maheesh Theekshana On Learning From MS Dhoni: Maheesh Theekshana is one of the most exciting bowlers in world cricket today. The mystery spinner bowls an unusual mixture of slow and medium-pace balls. He now revealed how he learned a lot of things from former India and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni.
Theekshana has been named in the 16-man Sri Lanka squad that will take on T20 World Cup winners India in a three-match T20I series. In the series that will be played in his home country, the 23-year-old will form a solid spin trio with all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga and promising young slow-arm orthodox Dunith Welalage.
Having made his debut for the Sri Lanka National Team in 2021, Maheesh caught the eye of fans in India and those worldwide when he had his breakout IPL season in 2022 for CSK. While the Super Kings struggled and finished ninth that season, the Sri Lankan took 12 wickets in nine matches with a fine average of 7.46.
Since then, he has become a star for the Lankan Lions, taking 55 wickets in 42 ODIs and 45 wickets in 49 T20Is. He has confused the batters not only with his ability to spin the ball both ways but also with his pace variations and moving the ball in the air, much like a swing bowler.
In his three seasons in the IPL with CSK, he played one and a half of those under Dhoni’s captaincy. The only full-season captain Cool led the team; they won the IPL in 2023.
Apart from winning everything under the sun, the 43-year-old as captain is known for his excellent rapport with his bowlers. Several bowlers have said that despite being a wicketkeeper, the Dhoni understands their art well.
Maheesh Theekshana On Learning From MS Dhoni
Speaking ahead of the upcoming T20I series against India, Theekshana sat down for an interview where he opened up about his relationship with the former CSK captain, how he learned a lot from the World Cup-winning captain, and what things to do to fox the batters.
“I have learned a lot of things from MS Dhoni, but in particular, how he helped me bowl to batters who would employ the sweep shot against me. With my action, I would bowl quicker, but they would still hit boundaries. He asked me to bowl a bit fuller,” he said.
Theekshana then went on to say that due to working with MS a lot during the IPL, he developed his yorkers, which have been very effective against a variety of batters. He said,
“That’s also how I developed my yorker. I gradually gained confidence bowling in the death overs. Dhoni always has a plan. But he goes to the bowler’s plan first, and only if it does not work, does he guide you.”
Maheesh Theekshana will feature in the India vs Sri Lanka T20I series for the home side. The first match of the series will be played on July 27 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy at 7:00 PM.
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