Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner Maheesh Theekshana has had an impressive Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season for the franchise. Recently, he opened up about overcoming fitness issues during his Under-19 days.
Maheesh Theekshana revealed that he weighed 117 kgs during his Under-19 days and had to work harder to reach his current fitness level. The 21-year-old has been one of the key performers for the Chennai Super Kings this season.
In a video shared by the Chennai Super Kings on their Youtube Channel, the Sri Lankan cricketer opened up about his fitness issues initially, and how he overcame those. Maheesh also revealed that he failed fitness tests and hence did not get to play for the U19 team. He said:
“I was 117 kg at that time (U-19 days), so I had to work harder to get my weight and skin folds down in the yo-yo test. In 2020, I got everything down and brought my fitness to the (required) level. I started to do more hard work on my body.”
“In 2017-18, I was in the U-19 squad, but I did not get a chance to play because I failed fitness tests a few times. In 2019, I had to be a water boy for 10 games in three-day matches. So I knew that if I failed, I would have to carry the water bottles again. But I kept believing in myself and had that never-say-die attitude. That’s why I am here in 2022,” added Maheesh Theekshana.
Never thought I would be part of the 2021 T20 World Cup: Maheesh Theekshana
Maheesh Theekshana was part of Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup campaign last year. He took eight wickets in seven matches, at an average of 17.12 in the tournament. The spinner expressed that he never thought, that he would be a part of the T20 mega event in 2021.
“In 2021, I represented my country. I had a chance in the last one-day game against South Africa. It’s remarkable. I never thought that I would be a part of the (T20) World Cup in 2021,” said Maheesh.
The mystery spinner is the third leading wicket-taker for the Chennai Super Kings this season. He has twelve wickets to his name in eight matches at an average of 19.75 and an economy rate of 7.41.
Get the latest cricket news here and like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
