Sri Lanka and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowler Maheesh Theekshana has called Ajantha Mendis his “inspiration.” Mendis coached the Army Cricket Team in Sri Lanka and shared useful inputs with the youngster when Theekshana performed for the same team.
Himself a mystery spinner during his performing days, Mendis represent during, and 30 T20Is are claiming he 2was a mystery bowler, which 88 international scalps. He still is the pacer to claim 50 wickets in One-Day Internationals (19 matches).
In a video published on CSK’s official YouTube channel, Theekshana explained himself as lucky as he got to interact with Mendis for a couple of years and is now playing with the legendary MS Dhoni as part of the Chennai franchise. He said:
“I am inspired by Ajantha Mendis because he was my coach. In the last two or three years, I got to chat a lot with Ajantha Mendis. And, in 2022, I had a chat with MS (Dhoni).”
So far, the 21-year-old Sri Lankan bowler has had an impressive TATA IPL 2022 campaign for CSK. He has stated 12 scalps in 8-matches at an average of 19.75 and an economy rate of 7.41.
“Never thought they would pick me this year,” – Maheesh Theekshana on CSK bid for him.
Last season, the young Sri Lankan bowler was part of the Chennai contingent as a net spinner. But he candidly acknowledged that he did not think he would get picked at the IPL auction by the franchise. Theekshana stated:
“I had a stint with CSK last year also as a net bowler. Never thought they would pick me this year.”
Asked about his outlook on the match, Theekshana signed off by adding:
“I am always trying to get more focused on my game. I have faith in myself. I am always trying to do what I can do. I always follow my strengths. Dreams do come true.”
Mahesh Theekshana against RCB in IPL:-
4-0-33-4
4-0-27-3 pic.twitter.com/VKgBfXY59y— unlucky (@cskvijay007) May 4, 2022
Last year, Theekshana was part of Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup team. He had an awesome tournament, in which he picked up 8-wickets in 7-matches at an average of 17.12 and an economy rate of 5.48.