IPL 2022: I Liked CSK Because I Like MS Dhoni Very Much – Maheesh Theekshana

Chennai Super Kings leg-spinner Maheesh Theekshana mentioned skipper MS Dhoni as the reason behind his fondness for Chennai Super Kings before joining them this year.

With his rise to prominence in the Sri Lanka national team, Theekshana impressed with the turn and leg breaks.

With 14 wickets in 15 T20 Internationals at an economy rate of 6.41 in Sri Lankan colors, Theekshana garnered attention across the globe. The 21-year-old also played in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 last year in Oman and UAE.

I knew that if I failed, I would have to carry the water bottles again: Maheesh Theekshana

Theekshana revealed how he missed the opportunity to play for Sri Lanka U19 due to overweight issues and how he overcame the challenges.

“In 2017-18, I was in the U-19 squad, but I did not get a chance to play because I failed fitness tests a few times. In 2019, I had to be a water boy for 10 games in three-day matches. So I knew that if I failed, I would have to carry the water bottles again. But I kept believing in myself and had that never-say-die attitude. That’s why I am here in 2022,” Theekshana said in a video uploaded on CSK’s Twitter handle.

“I was 117 kg at that time (U-19 days), so I had to work harder to get my weight and skin folds down in the yo-yo test. In 2020, I got everything down and brought my fitness to the (required) level. I started to do more hard work on my body,” he added.

MS Dhoni has a lot of skills, be it cricket, football, or table tennis: Maheesh Theekshana

Theekshana was sold to CSK for INR 70 lakh in the IPL 2022 auction after serving as a net bowler for the defending champions last season.

The Sri Lankan spinner has picked 12 wickets in eight matches for CSK in IPL 2022 so far. Playing only his second IPL match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Theekshana claimed figures 4/33 to power CSK to their first win of the season.

The Sri Lankan youngster admires Dhoni a lot and is delighted to play under the leadership of the CSK captain.

“In 2022, I spoke to MS Dhoni. I was with CSK last year as a net bowler. Never thought they would bid for me or pick me this year,” the Sri Lankan spinner said. 

“Actually, I liked CSK because I like MS Dhoni very much. It’s actually unbelievable, yesterday I played table tennis with him. It’s more like a goal to play with him and to play under him now. He has a lot of skills, be it cricket, football, or table tennis. I think he can do anything. It is a dream come true to play here,” he added. 

CSK will face rivals Mumbai Indians on Thursday (May 12) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Also Read: IPL 2022: I Am Inspired By Ajantha Mendis – Maheesh Theekshana