Maheesh Theekshana, leg-spinner for Chennai Super Kings, said that he draws inspiration from former Sri Lanka spin bowler Ajantha Mendis. Theekshana has been impressing fans with his turn and leg breaks, which helped his rise to prominence in the Sri Lanka national team.

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

After serving as a net bowler for the defending champions last season, Theekshana was sold to CSK for INR 70 lakh in the IPL 2022 auction. So far, he has picked 12 wickets in eight matches for CSK in IPL 2022. In his second IPL match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he helped power CSK to their first win of the season by claiming figures 4/33.

Theekshana actually didn’t expect the Super Kings to choose him this year. He talked about his admiration for Mendis, who claimed 288 wickets across all formats in his 145 matches for Sri Lanka.

In a video posted on the Chennai Super Kings’ social media platforms, Theekshana 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.”

“I had a stint with CSK last year also as a net bowler. Never thought they would pick me this year.”

“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,” he added. 

So far, Chennai Super Kings have won 4 out of 11 matches. MS Dhoni was reinstated as captain after the team lost 6 out of 8 games.

The Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians will face off at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, May 12.