Maheesh Theekshana and MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)
In a recent discussion ahead of the white-ball series against India, Sri Lankan off-spinner, Maheesh Theekshana, reflected on the profound lessons he has absorbed from the illustrious former Indian captain and erstwhile Chennai Super Kings skipper, MS Dhoni.
Among the myriad insights he gained, Theekshana highlighted how Dhoni, with his superior vantage point, instructed him on effectively countering batters by employing the sweep shot against him. Furthermore, he also explained that despite his front-on action allowing him to bowl quicker, he often got swept for boundaries from batters using the sweep shot. According to the astute spinner, Dhoni’s singular advice was to adjust his length to bowl slightly fuller. This adjustment, coupled with his gradual refinement of the yorker, bolstered his confidence, particularly in the fag end of the innings.
“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,” Theekshana was quoted by Hindustan Times.
“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,” the willy spinner continued.
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Dhoni always has a plan, he goes to the bowler’s plan first: Theekshana
Many around the globe might hold the preconceived notion that Dhoni dictated on-field tactics and strategies for bowlers. However, Theekshana, who has played with the Chennai Super Kings for three seasons now, clarified that that wasn’t the case at all. Dhoni would grant full liberty to the bowlers to execute their own plans first, stepping in with guidance only if their initial strategies failed.
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“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,” Theekshana concluded.
The 23-year-old had a middling performance in LPL 2024, securing 10 wickets in as many matches at an economy rate of 7.35. He would be eager to enhance his wicket-taking tally when facing a formidable Indian batting lineup, which will irrefutably serve as a valuable learning experience for the youngster.