Chennai Super Kings spinner Maheesh Theekshana has come under scrutiny for his bowling action during the ongoing game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. In just his fifth game of IPL 2024, Maheesh Theekshana made a significant impact with the ball.
Although he didn’t pick up any wickets, he managed to contain the RCB batsmen effectively, conceding only 25 runs in his four overs. After RCB got off to a flying start, scoring 31 runs in the first three overs, Maheesh Theekshana brought some control back to the game. His fourth over was particularly economical, giving away just four runs.
Maheesh continued his tight bowling in the powerplay’s final over, conceding only five runs. Despite giving away 10 runs in his third over, he bounced back by restricting the batsmen to just six runs in his final over.
WATCH – Faf du Plessis Unlucky Dismissal Shocks RCB In Crucial Match
However, Theekshana’s performance has been overshadowed by controversy regarding his bowling action. The Sri Lankan spinner altered his release point several times during his spell, drawing comparisons to Kolkata Knight Riders’ star Sunil Narine, who had to modify his action after being reported by umpires.
Although neither the on-field umpires nor the RCB batsmen lodged any complaints, fans on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were quick to accuse Maheesh Theekshana of chucking.
Theekshana’s so blatantly straightening it before releasing. This fanbase accuses others of chucking una pic.twitter.com/VSxnK0d9RF
— Akif (@keepurcoolakif) May 18, 2024
Is it just me or Theekshana is blatantly chucking?
— Jay. (@peak_Ability14) May 18, 2024
Cricket needs a technology where chucking is checked live as and when it happens… because now if you put this person under some machine he will bowl properly..bring that tech penalise right there https://t.co/Jq1bXBl4BU
— ks Amruth (@amruth_ks) May 18, 2024
Everyone rightly questions Narine but what is this???pic.twitter.com/peb5JLhIMb https://t.co/kwIE4zxwAc
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) May 18, 2024
Ok, I thought I was the only one who felt that during the innings. Looks like everyone else had the same thing in their minds. https://t.co/a6ZBOBwKGs
— V (@veyire) May 18, 2024
Meanwhile, in the game, Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted an imposing total of 218 for 5 in their 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Captain Faf du Plessis led from the front with a top score of 54 off 39 balls, including three fours and as many sixes. Virat Kohli also played a crucial innings, scoring 47 runs. Contributions from Rajat Patidar, who scored 41, and Cameron Green, who remained unbeaten on 38, helped RCB set a challenging target for CSK.
WATCH – Daryl Mitchell’s Stunning Catch Dismisses Virat Kohli In Crucial RCB vs CSK Match
Despite the brewing controversy around Theekshana’s bowling action, the match continued with intense competition as both teams fought hard to secure a spot in the playoffs. Theekshana’s ability to maintain a tight line and length without conceding many runs was crucial in keeping CSK in the game, even as the accusations of chucking circulated among the fans.
