It has been a bumpy ride for defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. While there is still a slim chance of CSK reaching playoffs, there have been few positives for them in the season so far. Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana has been a revelation for MS Dhoni-led side.
The 21-year-old was a low-key pick for CSK in the IPL 2022 mega auctions. His services were roped in for Rs 70 lakh. He proved to be a ‘value for money’ buy. So far, he has taken 12 wickets from eight games. However, few years earlier, Theekshana was unsure of his future and was warming the benches during his Under-19 days.
“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,” Theekshana said in a video uploaded on CSK’s Twitter handle.
“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,” said Theekshana.
Theekshana considers former Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis as his inspiration. While the youngster did not start a bidding war, he was surprised when CSK went after him against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the auction.
“In 2020, I had a chat with Ajantha Mendis, and 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,” he added.
Theekshana will be seen in action on May 12 in another must-win clash for CSK against out-of-form Mumbai Indians (MI).
