Full Name: Morawakage Maheesh Theekshana Date of Birth: August 1, 2000 Birthplace: Colombo, Sri Lanka Role: Right-Arm Offbreak Bowler | Lower-Order Right-Handed Batter | Mystery Spinner In modern cricket, where variations are key and mystery is a weapon, Maheesh Theekshana has quickly carved out a name for himself. With jersey number 97, he’s not just another spinner in the Sri Lankan squad—he’s a tactical asset, a game-changer, and a symbol of resilience rising through adversity. Born and raised in Colombo, Theekshana’s path to international cricket wasn’t paved with early glamour or privilege. As a youngster, he faced weight issues and was even dropped from the Under-19 setup due to fitness concerns. But Theekshana didn’t let those setbacks define him. Instead, he joined the Sri Lankan Army, where he trained, transformed, and found the discipline that would later define his bowling. His breakthrough came with the Army Sports Club, where under the watchful eyes of mentors like Ajantha Mendis—Sri Lanka’s original “mystery spinner”—Theekshana began refining his variations. Like Mendis, Theekshana’s deliveries include a carrom ball, off-break, and a unique slider—all delivered with minimal change in action. This deceptive style makes him particularly lethal in T20s and ODIs, especially during the powerplay and middle overs. He made his international debut in September 2021 in an ODI against South Africa—and on his very first ball, he took a wicket. That magical delivery wasn’t just a dream start; it was the beginning of a new chapter in Sri Lankan spin bowling. Fans immediately drew comparisons to Mendis, but Theekshana was determined to walk his own path. In the T20 World Cup 2021, he was one of Sri Lanka’s most economical and threatening bowlers. His composure, even on big stages, stood out. Teams struggled to pick him. Whether it was Afghanistan or Australia, his spell often broke partnerships or stemmed the flow of runs. His accuracy, backed by variations, made him a central figure in Sri Lanka’s bowling plans. Beyond his international duties, Theekshana has been a prominent name in franchise cricket. Playing for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, he’s become a go-to spinner for MS Dhoni—no small feat, considering Dhoni’s legacy with spinners. Under such leadership, Theekshana has grown, learned how to handle pressure, and evolved into a clever, confident operator. Despite his rising fame, Maheesh remains humble. He often credits the Army for instilling discipline in him and never forgets the days when many doubted his fitness or ability. That memory keeps him grounded and fuels his determination to keep improving. With the bat, he doesn’t contribute often but has shown glimpses of being handy in the lower order. In the field, he’s agile and alert, a testament to his fitness journey. Jersey number 97 belongs to a cricketer who’s more than just mystery. Maheesh Theekshana is the product of self-belief, hard work, and resilience—a bowler who spins dreams and delivers under pressure, embodying the new face of Sri Lankan grit.