"Next time, no bowling for you" - Maheesh Theekshana recalls MS Dhoni's warning after IPL 2023

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Maheesh Theekshana spoke about MS Dhoni’s words for him after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He said that the skipper wasn’t happy with his performance and told him that he wouldn’t be bowling next year.

Mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana since the last few years has become a vital cog in the wheel for the Chennai Super Kings. He has been a genuine wicket-taker for the team and has bowled sensationally well in the powerplay as well as the death overs.

In the last edition of the IPL, Maheesh Theekshana picked 11 wickets and helped Chennai Super Kings claim their fifth title. Despite performing well, he was on the receiving end of criticism because of his fitness and his poor show in the field. The spinner did a lot of misfields and dropped a few catches as well.

Not only from the fans but Maheesh Theekshana also got scolded by skipper MS Dhoni. However, all that vanished, and everyone forgot about it as Chennai Super Kings defeated Gujarat Titans in the final and clinched their 5th title in the league.

However, MS Dhoni didn’t forget and even teased Maheesh Theekshana for it. The mystery spinner revealed that after the title win, as he was about to leave, keeper-batter hugged him and told him that in the next season, he wouldn’t bowl. Speaking to Hindustan Times, he explained:

“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.”

Maheesh Theekshana admitted that he wasn’t up to the mark with in the field last year but is thankful to the franchise that they showed confidence in him. He added that playing with MS Dhoni is easy as he allows players to improve. He added:

“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.”

It’s good for me to play under him – Maheesh Theekshana on MS Dhoni

Maheesh Theekshana further talked about the confidence MS Dhoni shows in him and said that even for the failures, the skipper takes responsibility. The spinner said that it’s good for him that he plays against the former Indian skipper. He elaborated:

“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.

“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 expected to play a huge role for the team next year. It remains to be seen how MS Dhoni will use him next year.