Full Name: Morawakage Maheesh Theekshana
Date of Birth: August 1, 2000
Age: 24 years (as of April 2025)
Place of Birth: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Height: Approximately 6 ft (183 cm)
Batting Style: Right-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm off-break (Mystery Spinner)
Role: Bowler
Domestic Teams: Colts Cricket Club, Sri Lanka Army Sports Club
Jersey Number: 70
Education: St. Benedict’s College, Colombo
Net Worth: Estimated $1–2 million USD (₹8–16 crore INR approx.)
Early Life and Background
On August 1, 2000, Maheesh Theekshana was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He was first educated at Siddhartha Vidyalaya in Sedawatta, where he was raised by his grandmother. Two St. Benedict’s College alums saw his cricketing ability and helped him transfer to their school. He received financial help from the school’s cricket wing and, as a result of his outstanding play, was subsequently awarded a scholarship. In his final year, he was named the All Island Best All-Rounder.
Domestic and Franchise Career
On March 14, 2018, Theekshana made his Colts Cricket Club List A debut. On December 7, 2018, he made his first-class debut. He struggled with fitness at first, weighing more than 100 kg, but after enlisting in the Sri Lanka Army in 2020, he experienced a dramatic change. He developed his talents and fitness under Ajantha Mendis’s tutelage, which resulted in impressive results in domestic competitions.
His franchise career includes stints with:
- Jaffna Kings (2020–2023)
- Chennai Super Kings (2022–2024)
- Trinbago Knight Riders (2022)
- Barbados Royals (2023–present)
- Sharjah Warriors (2024)
- Galle Marvels (2024–present)
- Joburg Super Kings (2025)
- Rajasthan Royals (2025)
Notably, at the age of 21 years and 255 days, he became the youngest bowler to take four wickets in an IPL match during the 2022 season.
International Career
In September 2021, Theekshana made his debut for his country in both ODI and T20I matches against South Africa. He finished with stats of 4/37 and impressively grabbed a wicket with his maiden ball in ODI cricket. He was also included in Sri Lanka’s 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad, where he finished as the second-highest wicket-taker for the team. Wikipedia
He played his first Test match against Australia in July 2022. His contributions have been crucial to Sri Lanka’s victories, such as the Asia Cup triumph in 2022, in which he claimed six wickets at an economy rate of 6.75.
Playing Style
Theekshana, who is referred to as a “mystery spinner,” bowls with variations and a cunning motion that is reminiscent of his instructor, Ajantha Mendis. He can deliver yorkers, which are uncommon among spinners, and bowls faster, frequently surpassing 100 km/h. He is a dangerous opponent in any format because of his capacity to extract bounce and turn.
Personal Life
Maheesh Theekshana’s life is characterised by fortitude, self-control, and calm resolve. He frequently acknowledges his grandmother, who raised him in Colombo, as a source of strength in his life. Through perseverance and hard labour, he overcome the financial and physical obstacles that plagued his early years. He was criticised for being overweight while attending St. Benedict’s College, but after enlisting in the Sri Lanka Army, he changed his ways. His change was not only physical; it also demonstrated his perseverance and will to achieve.
Theekshana, a Sergeant in the Sri Lanka Army, has managed to combine his desire to play cricket with his military duties. His dedication to fitness, which was influenced by the regimen and discipline of the Army, was crucial to his professional comeback. Theekshana is well-known for being very family-oriented, and he frequently talks about how his grandmother’s sacrifices shaped his beliefs and tenacity, even if not much is known about his relationships or dating life.
He maintains a quiet profile off the pitch despite his growing reputation, choosing instead to concentrate on his duties, training, and sense of national obligation. He has frequently discussed how playing cricket and serving in the military helped him develop resilience, and he is a fervent supporter of mental toughness. He is one of the most grounded characters in Sri Lankan cricket because of his humility and warrior mentality.
Legacy & Impact
The quick ascent of Maheesh Theekshana in international cricket highlights both his skill and tenacity. He overcame early hurdles to become a vital member of Sri Lanka’s squad as well as other franchise clubs throughout the world. Future cricket players in Sri Lanka and beyond are still motivated by his distinctive bowling technique and dedication to perfection.
