"He helped me bowl to batters who would employ the sweep shot" - Maheesh Theekshana credits MS Dhoni for inputs during CSK stint
Sri Lankan off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana credited MS Dhoni for his valuable inputs in countering batters playing the sweep shot during his Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stint. The 23-year-old has been part of the franchise since 2022, with Dhoni standing behind the stumps.
Theekshana helped CSK win their fifth IPL title in 2023, picking up 11 wickets and often bowling the crucial overs in 13 outings.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the India-Sri Lanka T20I series (as quoted by Hindustan Times), he praised Dhoni for helping him with his bowling.
"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. “With my action, I would bowl quicker, but they would still hit boundaries. He asked me to bowl a bit fuller," said Theekshana.
"That’s also how I developed my yorker. I gradually gained confidence bowling in the 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," he added.
The Sri Lankan also mentioned that there is no such thing as defensive bowling in T20s.
"I think there is no such thing as defensive bowling in T20s. 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 3-4 wickets," Theekshana stated.
He boasts excellent overall T20 numbers, with 161 wickets at an average of 25.03 and an economy of 6.73 in 158 games.
"India have got some big hitters and Pallekele is a high-scoring ground" - Maheesh Theekshana
Maheesh Theekshana cautioned the Sri Lankan bowlers to be smarter with their options against the fearsome Indian batting lineup and the high-scoring nature of Pallekele.
All three T20Is will be played at the same venue from Saturday, July 27, to Tuesday, July 30.
"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," said Theekshana.
Following the T20Is, the action shifts to Colombo for the three ODIs from August 2 to 7.