Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Maheesh Theekshana spoke about MS Dhoni’s words to him after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He said that the skipper was not happy with his performance and told him that he would not bowl next year.

Mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana has since last few years become a vital cog in the wheel of the Chennai Super Kings. He has been a real wicket-taker for the team and has bowled sensationally well in both the powerplay and the death overs.

In the last edition of the IPL, Maheesh Theekshana picked 11 wickets and helped Chennai Super Kings to their fifth title. Despite his good performance, he received criticism for his physical condition and his poor performance on the field. The spinner made many fielding errors and also dropped some catches.

Not just from the fans, Maheesh Theekshana was also scolded by captain MS Dhoni. However, all that disappeared and everyone forgot when Chennai Super Kings defeated Gujarat Titans in the final to clinch their fifth league title.

However, MS Dhoni did not forget it and even mocked Maheesh Theekshana for it. The mystery spinner revealed that after winning the title, when he was about to leave, the keeper-batsman hugged him and told him that in the upcoming season he would not bowl. Speaking to Hindustan Times, he explained:

“Immediately after the final, Matheesha (Pathirana) and I had to leave. We had a party after the final and when we were about to leave, we met MS (Dhoni) to say goodbye. He hugged me and said, ‘Next time you won’t bowl.’ “Just batting and fielding.”

Maheesh Theekshana admitted that he was not up to the mark on the field last year but is grateful to the franchise for showing faith in him. He added that playing with MS Dhoni is easy as it allows the players to improve. He added:

“Last year I wasn’t very good on the field. I missed 4 or 5 receptions and I take responsibility for that. Still, they had confidence in me. They didn’t let me go. It’s easy to play with him because of that. He knows that people can make mistakes and gives them opportunities to improve. That’s the good thing about him.”

It’s good for me to play with him – Maheesh Theekshana on MS Dhoni

Maheesh Theekshana further spoke about the trust that MS Dhoni shows in him and said that even in failures, the skipper takes the responsibility. The player said that it is good for him to play against the former Indian captain. He elaborated:

“I had confidence in myself to do that. It just happened immediately. Even last year, I bowled to the death because he had that confidence. And that’s because he will take responsibility for it. Of course, as a bowler, I also have a responsibility, but he takes responsibility for his decisions.

“When I arrived, he had confidence in me to do it. It just happened immediately. Even last year, I bowled because he was confident. And that’s because he will take responsibility for it. Of course, as a bowler, I also have a responsibility, but he takes responsibility for his decisions. He is a confidence booster. It’s good for me to play with him. It’s a great opportunity for me. “All the players who play with him know how good he is with tactics.”

Maheesh Theekshana is expected to play a very important role for the team next year. It remains to be seen how MS Dhoni will use him next year.