- May 4, 2025
Let’s be honest, when Rajasthan Royals picked up Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga for IPL 2025, fireworks promises were on the horizon. Two of Sri Lanka’s best spinners, both with serious T20 form, and two very competent performers, and famous for choking batters and winning T20 matches at their peak. And yet, here we are, well into the tournament, and it has been a whole lot of ‘meh’. So, what is the issue? Why are these two spinners, who have given us some moments we will never forget from other leagues, unable to spark off with the Royals? Let’s take a look to find out what the reason is for the RR spin dream not spinning out as they had hoped.
Theekshana’s Chennai Success Didn’t Translate to Jaipur
Theekshana’s style of T20 cricketer was practically built for Chepauk – slow pitches, big grounds, and a team that knew exactly how to use him. At CSK, he was used as an enforcer in the powerplay, bowling controlled overs without being the strike bowler. His role was defined and effective; tidy it up, create mistakes, repeat.
Well, Jaipur is an entirely different story. The wickets are quicker, the squares aren’t quite as even, and the dew is a serious problem. And let’s not forget that batters today are different; they’re not just getting through the powerplay anymore – they’re looking to attack bowlers like Theekshana in the first 6.
As for RR, they’re not helping his case either from a tactical perspective. Rather than give Theekshana definitive roles, RR have made him bowl when and where they want him to. In one game, he would bowl as the first change bowler; in the next game, he would be held back. This sporadic way of bowling can affect rhythm, and for a bowler like Theekshana, whose strength is his rhythm, that’s a killer!
Hasaranga’s Slow Flight: A Gift to Modern Batters
So, let’s discuss Hasaranga. When Hasaranga is on, he is a magician – deceptive flippers, nasty sliders, and an insane ability to find wickets. Unfortunately, this season has not been Hasaranga’s best.
Hasaranga has slowed the game down too much. Tossing it up has its place in T20s, but when you are continually tossing it up at a snail’s pace on flatter decks, you are inviting punishment. And on that front, batters have punished Hasaranga. Batters are stepping down, getting to the pitch, and neutralizing his variations without trouble.
Furthermore, RR’s overall bowling strategy has not helped. Hasaranga does not have a frontline Indian spinner to alleviate any of the pressure on him. As a result, Hasaranga has to run RR’s spin attack completely solo. This is a lot of responsibility, especially when your partner (Theekshana) is also not performing well. Hasaranga has been underexposed without a proper support staff!
Banking on Two Overseas Spinners Was a Risky Bet
RR took the chance of using two of those slots on Theekshana and Hasaranga. On paper, it was bold. In practice, it has resulted in restrictions. Theekshana and Hasaranga mean RR cannot select that additional overseas finisher or death bowler–which already is a visible pain in terms of match-ups.
Let’s not forget the conditions either. Neither Theekshana nor Hasaranga has had any real success in India except in specific conditions. Furthermore, with Jaipur offering little turn and no wicket-taking support in the team, the pair has been more liability than luxury.
Cricket fans—what are your thoughts? Should RR give these two more chances, or has the time come to use their local players and revisit the combinations? Let us know your thoughts!
For more, visit JeetBuzz News to read our quality Cricket Blog updates. Explore if you want to reminisce and enjoy all of your favourite cricket players and nostalgic match moments. To ensure that you never miss out, keep updated and join in the fun!
