Maheesh Theekshana Becomes the No.1 ODI Bowler in ICC Rankings: A Historic Achievement

Introduction: A Rising Star Reaches the Pinnacle

Sri Lankan cricket has long been known for producing world-class spinners, from Muttiah Muralitharan to Rangana Herath. Now, a new name has etched itself into the history books—Maheesh Theekshana. The 23-year-old mystery spinner has officially climbed to the No.1 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings, a monumental achievement that reflects his hard work, skill, and consistency.

This latest ranking, released on February 19, 2025, solidifies Theekshana’s status as one of the most formidable bowlers in modern cricket. His remarkable performances in recent ODI series have not only boosted his personal statistics but also played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s resurgence in international cricket.

A Meteoric Rise: How Theekshana Reached No.1

Theekshana’s journey to the top has been nothing short of spectacular. While he has been a key figure in Sri Lanka’s white-ball setup for the last few years, his dominance in limited-overs cricket has peaked over the past 12 months.

His performances in bilateral series, ICC tournaments, and franchise leagues have consistently showcased his ability to outfox batters with his clever variations and pinpoint accuracy.

Key Performances That Boosted His Ranking

1. Career-Best Performance Against New Zealand

During the recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand, Theekshana was at his absolute best. In the third ODI, he delivered a match-winning spell, taking 4 wickets for just 29 runs, dismantling a strong New Zealand batting lineup. His ability to turn the game around in the middle overs was one of the biggest factors in Sri Lanka’s victory.

This performance pushed Theekshana into the top three of the ICC rankings, setting the stage for his eventual rise to the top.

2. Match-Winning Spell Against Australia

On February 12, 2025, in the first ODI against Australia, Theekshana once again proved why he is considered one of the best. He registered figures of 9.5-1-40-4, helping Sri Lanka secure a 49-run victory over the mighty Australians. His ability to bowl under pressure and take crucial wickets made a huge difference in the match.

3. Consistency in ICC Tournaments

Apart from his performances in bilateral series, Theekshana has been a standout performer in ICC tournaments. His ability to perform on the biggest stage was evident during the ICC ODI World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s campaign. He consistently bowled with an economy rate of under 4.5 while also picking up key wickets at crucial moments.

A Look at Theekshana’s Bowling Style: The Art of Mystery Spin

One of the key reasons behind Theekshana’s success is his unique bowling style. He is often referred to as a mystery spinner, a term used for bowlers who have multiple variations and can deceive batters with their unpredictable deliveries.

His bowling arsenal includes:
✅ Carrom Ball – A deceptive delivery that skids on with the arm.
✅ Off-Breaks – Traditional off-spin that turns into the right-handed batter.
✅ Top Spinner – A delivery that bounces extra and hurries the batter.
✅ Flatter Arm Ball – A delivery that drifts in quickly and traps batters LBW.

Theekshana’s biggest strength is his control and accuracy. Unlike many other spinners, he rarely bowls loose deliveries, which makes it difficult for batters to attack him. His ability to bowl dot balls in the middle overs has been instrumental in restricting opposition teams.

The Impact of Theekshana’s No.1 Ranking on Sri Lanka Cricket

Theekshana’s rise to the No.1 spot is a massive achievement, not just for him but for Sri Lanka Cricket as a whole. Over the past decade, Sri Lanka has struggled to find a dominant spinner after the retirement of legends like Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath.

With Theekshana’s success, Sri Lanka has finally found a match-winner in the spin department who can lead the bowling attack for years to come. His rise also boosts the confidence of young Sri Lankan cricketers who aspire to follow in his footsteps.

What’s Next for Theekshana? Can He Maintain His No.1 Ranking?

While reaching the No.1 spot is an incredible achievement, the real challenge is maintaining it. Theekshana will now face increased expectations as every team will strategize specifically against him.

His upcoming challenges include:
✔ Sri Lanka’s ODI series against England and South Africa
✔ The Asia Cup 2025, where he will be a key player for Sri Lanka
✔ The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, one of the biggest tournaments in white-ball cricket

To retain his ranking, Theekshana must continue his exceptional performances and adapt to different conditions and oppositions.

Conclusion: A Proud Moment for Sri Lanka Cricket

Maheesh Theekshana’s rise to the No.1 ODI bowler in the ICC rankings is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and immense talent. His journey from a young mystery spinner to the best ODI bowler in the world is nothing short of inspiring.

For Sri Lanka, this is a huge boost as they now have a world-class match-winner leading their bowling attack. As Theekshana continues to make strides in international cricket, fans across the world will be eagerly watching his performances.

One thing is certain—the era of Maheesh Theekshana has begun!