Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana, inspired by his idol Ajantha Mendis, is looking to make a mark against India, much like Mendis did with his memorable performances, including a 6-13 in the 2008 Asia Cup final. India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, who played against Mendis, is well aware of the threat posed by Sri Lanka’s unorthodox bowlers.
Theekshana has been following in the footsteps of Mendis and other unconventional Sri Lankan bowlers. Initially a fast bowler, he transitioned to spin, influenced by legends like Muthiah Muralitharan and Mendis. “Mendis could bowl googly, off-spin, carrom ball, everything; and he was the first to bring all of this to the international arena. I got lucky to have him as the head coach in college and later when I was part of the Army team at U23. That’s where I got a chance to gain all the knowledge about spin from him,” Theekshana shared in an interview ahead of the three-match T20I series against India.
Theekshana first experimented with the carrom ball at age 15 using a tennis ball. His tactical and technical skills were honed under Mendis’s guidance. While their bowling actions are similar, Theekshana uses a slightly longer run-up. Determined to avoid the pitfalls that shortened Mendis’s career, Theekshana focuses on fitness and learning from successful bowlers like Sunil Narine. “Yes, one learning is that I have to stay fit,” he said. “But as far as the mystery goes, I look at someone like Sunil Narine and how he continues to bowl with the same economy for all these years. I try to learn by watching him. These days technology has improved, so the batters will pick you. What’s important is you don’t lose your bowling discipline – line and length.”
Learning from MS Dhoni
Theekshana, a key player for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL, credits MS Dhoni for significant improvements in his game. “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,” he said. Dhoni advised him to bowl fuller to counter the sweep shot, leading Theekshana to develop his yorker and gain confidence in bowling during 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.”
At just 23, Theekshana has gained valuable experience from three years in the IPL, helping him understand the intricacies of T20 cricket. “I think there is no such thing as defensive bowling in T20s,” he said. “If you are thinking defensively, you are still being attacking. Like, if you can go for 20-30 runs in 4 overs on a flat wicket, you are doing great. There will be other bowlers in the team who will take 3-4 wickets.”
Upcoming Series Against India
Theekshana is preparing for the challenge of facing India’s big hitters at Pallekele, known for its high-scoring games due to its altitude. He emphasizes the need for smart, tight bowling rather than aggressively seeking wickets. “India have got some big hitters and Pallekele is a high-scoring ground. With the altitude, the ball generally flies. Without trying to go after wickets too much, we may have to bowl tighter. If they go for shots, we will be in with a chance. In these sorts of grounds, you have to be smarter.”
As Theekshana continues to develop his skills and learn from seasoned players, his unique style of mystery spin promises to keep batsmen on their toes, following in the rich tradition of Sri Lankan cricket.
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