Mahesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana:- The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been eagerly waiting for the arrival of Sri Lankan duo Mahesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana for the IPL 2023. The fans are excited to see them play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the first time. However, the two players have been unavailable for the first few matches of the season due to their national team commitments. In this article, we will explore the details of their availability and when they are expected to join the CSK squad.
Sri Lanka’s Mahesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana Join the CSK
CSK will have to look for a suitable replacement for Theekshana, who can fill in the spin-bowling void. One option for CSK is to bring in Imran Tahir, the veteran leg-spinner from South Africa, who was released from the team before the auction. Tahir has been one of the most successful spinners in the IPL, and his inclusion in the team can provide much-needed experience and quality to the spin-bowling department.
Maheesh Theekshana’s current commitments
Mahesh Theekshana is currently playing for the Sri Lankan T20I team in a three-match series against New Zealand.
He has been performing well for his team, and his presence in the squad is crucial for their success. Unfortunately, this means that he will miss the first few matches of IPL 2023, including CSK’s match against Mumbai Indians on April 8. Lets us explore this page in order to get information about Mahesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana.
Theekshana’s journey to professional cricket was not an easy one. St. Peter’s College had not produced an international cricketer in 42 years, and Theekshana was one of the few students who showed potential. A group of ex-students formed the Kingsmen Cricket Foundation to identify talented cricketers from nondescript schools before the bigger ones came bounding to snaffle them and groom them at St. Benedict’s. Theekshana was among the players identified by the foundation, and he was soon playing for the school team.
Playing Style
Theekshana is a right-arm leg-spinner, and his bowling action resembles that of former Sri Lankan mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis, who coincidentally happens to be his mentor with the Sri Lanka Army cricket team. He has a unique action that makes it difficult for the batsmen to read his deliveries. He bowls with a lot of variations and has a well-disguised googly, which is his main weapon. His ability to turn the ball both ways and his control over his line and length make him a difficult bowler to face.
Rise to Fame
Theekshana’s rise to fame started with his impressive performance in the T20 World Cup 2021. He made his international debut in September 2021 and was soon included in the Sri Lankan squad for the T20 World Cup. Theekshana was given his debut in Sri Lanka’s final Super 12 match against West Indies, where he took two wickets and was named the player of the match.
Theekshana continued his impressive form in the T20 World Cup, where he emerged as one of the top performers for Sri Lanka. He took eight wickets in five matches and was the second-highest wicket-taker for Sri Lanka in the tournament. His exceptional bowling helped Sri Lanka win the match against Bangladesh, where he took four wickets for just 37 runs in his four overs. His performance earned him praise from cricketing experts and fans worldwide.
Matheesha Pathirana’s current commitments
Matheesha Pathirana, another Sri Lankan cricketer, is also unavailable for the first few matches of IPL 2023 due to national team commitments.
Pathirana has not played in any international matches yet, but he is considered to be a promising fast bowler and could be a valuable asset for CSK.
Pathirana began playing cricket in his village and quickly became known for his pace and accuracy. At the age of 17, Pathirana made his debut for Kandy Cricket Club in Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket league. He impressed in his first few matches, picking up crucial wickets with his pace and swing. His performances earned him a call-up to the Sri Lankan Under-19 team for the 2020 World Cup, where he caught the attention of the cricketing world with his lethal bowling.
When will Theekshana and Pathirana join the CSK squad?
According to reports, Mahesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana are expected to join the CSK squad after April 8, 2023. This means that they will be available for selection for CSK’s fourth match of the tournament against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 10.
How will Theekshana and Pathirana’s absence impact CSK?
The absence of Mahesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana has certainly impacted CSK’s performance in the first few matches of IPL 2023. However, CSK has a strong team, and their other players have been performing well, especially their captain MS Dhoni and opener Faf du Plessis. The inclusion of Theekshana and Pathirana in the squad will certainly strengthen their bowling attack and provide more options for the captain to choose from.
Implications for CSK
Theekshana’s absence is a significant blow to the CSK lineup, which already lacks a quality spinner in their ranks. With Harbhajan Singh and Piyush Chawla released from the team before the auction, CSK was banking on Theekshana to fill in the spin-bowling void. His absence has put extra pressure on Ravindra Jadeja and Moeen Ali, who will have to shoulder the spin-bowling responsibilities.
Moreover, Theekshana’s absence has also affected the team’s balance, with CSK having to rely on a four-pronged pace attack, which may not always be effective on spin-friendly pitches. CSK will be hoping that Theekshana returns to the team soon and provides the much-needed balance to the squad.
Potential replacements
Another option for CSK is to bring in Krishnappa Gowtham, the off-spinning all-rounder, who was picked up by the team in the auction. Gowtham is a talented bowler and has the ability to score quick runs lower down the order. His inclusion in the team can provide the much-needed balance and depth to the squad.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mahesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana are currently playing for the Sri Lankan T20I team and are expected to join the CSK squad after April 8, 2023. Their absence has impacted CSK’s performance in the first few matches of IPL 2023, but the team has been performing well overall. The inclusion of Mahesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana will certainly provide more options for the captain to choose from and strengthen the team’s bowling attack.
FAQs
Will Theekshana and Pathirana miss the entire IPL 2023?
No, they are expected to join the CSK squad after April 8, 2023.
Are Theekshana and Pathirana considered to be valuable assets for CSK?
Yes, they are both talented cricketers and can provide more options for the team’s bowling attack.
