Published By: Sanchari Das

Did CSK Lose a Hidden Gem by Releasing THIS Mystery Spinner?

A Sri Lankan spinner spun his way into history, claiming a sensational hat-trick that left the Kiwis stunned

In a rain-affected thriller at Hamilton, a former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spinner delivered a stellar performance for Sri Lanka. Playing the second ODI against New Zealand, he etched his name in history with a sensational hat-trick. The bowler, who now represents Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, became the seventh Sri Lankan to achieve this feat in one-day internationals. Despite his brilliance, New Zealand posted a commanding total of 255 in their reduced 37 overs.

A hat-trick to remember

Maheesh Theekshana's brilliance came late in the innings, turning the tide momentarily for Sri Lanka. He dismissed Mitchell Santner and Nathan Smith off consecutive deliveries in the 35th over, setting up the stage for a hat-trick. Returning for the 37th over, he removed Matt Henry on the very first ball, completing the milestone. Finishing with figures of 4/44 in his eight overs, the spinner gave his side a glimmer of hope in the contest. However, Sri Lanka's batting collapsed, losing by 113 runs.

Joining the elite club

Sri Lanka holds the distinction of producing the most hat-tricks in ODI cricket, with this being their tenth. Legendary names like Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga feature prominently on this list. Malinga alone accounted for three of them, including two in World Cups. The latest achievement by Theekshana showcases Sri Lanka's continuing tradition of excellence in limited-overs cricket. His achievement made him the only second Sri Lankan spinner to achieve this feat, reaffirming his place among the greats. 

IPL journey and transition

The bowler debuted for CSK in 2022 and impressed with 12 wickets in his maiden season. Over three years, he played 27 matches for the franchise, taking 25 wickets. However, his performances dipped last season, managing only two wickets in five games. CSK decided not to retain him, opting for a reunion with Ravichandran Ashwin and bolstering their spin attack with Noor Ahmad. Rajasthan Royals capitalised on this by securing him for ₹4.4 crore in the 2025 IPL auction.

A key player for Sri Lanka

At just 24 years old, Theekshana has proven himself a pivotal figure in Sri Lanka's white-ball setup. With 65 wickets in 48 ODIs and 58 in 60 T20Is, his economy rate in T20s remains under seven, reflecting his ability to contain and strike. His versatility in delivering crucial overs at any stage makes him indispensable for his national team and franchise cricket. While he has yet to claim a five-wicket haul in ODIs, his consistent four-wicket spells underline his impact.

The Rajasthan Royals' gain

Rajasthan Royals, aiming to strengthen their spin department after Ravichandran Ashwin's departure, found the perfect replacement in the young Sri Lankan. His hat-trick against New Zealand is a timely reminder of his match-winning capabilities. With 126 wickets across formats, he brings experience and skill to a Royals squad looking to make a mark in IPL 2025. His addition gives Rajasthan a potent spin attack capable of troubling the best in the business.

Did CSK make the right call?

While CSK's decision to part ways with the spinner may seem questionable, their current spin arsenal includes proven names like Ashwin and Jadeja. Strengthened by younger talents, their strategy focuses on balance and experience. However, letting go of a player capable of delivering game-changing performances might haunt them. As the IPL season approaches, the spinner's recent feats add an intriguing subplot to his new chapter with Rajasthan Royals.