Later today, India will play Sri Lanka in the first T20I at Pallekele. Despite legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja retiring, the Indian cricket team still remains a favourite to win not only the match but the series. What might happen tomorrow and in the remaining fixture is Maheesh Theekshana recreating what Ajanta Mendis did to the Men in Blue in 2008.
If it happens, Sri Lanka’s captain, Charith Asalanka, will have to thank India’s most decorated skipper, MS Dhoni. Why you ask? Theekshana, who plays for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, has credited the legendary wicketkeeper batter with adding weapons to his arsenal, helping him get efficient in all phases of the game, and teaching the mystery spinner to back himself rather than relying on the captain’s tactics and instructions.
MS Dhoni always has a plan: Theekshana
The spinner developed a yorker due to Dhoni, as the keeper advised him to bowl fuller to avoid getting into the hitting zone of the batter. His death bowling went boom under his guidance, and when Theekshana felt that there was nothing he could do, Dhoni was there to guide him out of tumultuous conditions.
“I have learned a lot of things from MS Dhoni. In particular, he helped me bowl to batters who would employ the sweep shot against me. With my action, I would bowl quicker, but they would still hit boundaries. He asked me to bowl a bit fuller. 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,” said Theekshana to Sony Sports Network.
