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3 Reasons Why Samson Will Pick Theekshana Over Hasaranga In RR Playing XI For IPL 2025 

Anurag Dasgupta

Why Samson will pick Theekshana over Hasaranga [Source: @Wanindu49/X.Com]Why Samson will pick Theekshana over Hasaranga [Source: @Wanindu49/X.Com]

Maheesh Theekshana produced a stellar spell in the second ODI vs New Zealand and grabbed a stunning hat-trick to hog the limelight against one of the strongest batting units in ODIs. He was at his imperial best and finished with figures of 4 for 44 inside 8 overs to derail the Kiwi rail.

The wily spinner has been an underrated gem for the Sri Lankan side and was roped in by the Rajasthan Royals during the IPL 2025 mega auction. Interestingly, his spin teammate, Wanindu Hasaranga is also there in the Rajasthan side, and is likely to start above Theekshana.

However, there are 3 main reasons as to why the skilful Theekshana should start over Hasaranga in all the IPL matches for Sanju Samson's Rajasthan Royals.

3) Is more economical than Hasaranga

Apart from his wicket taking abilities, Maheesh Theekshana is more economical than Hasaranga in the IPL. The Sri Lankan spinner has played 27 IPL matches and concedes runs at 7.66 runs per over.

On the other hand, Hasaranga has played 26 matches, and concedes runs at 8.13 runs per over. He bowls at a quicker trajectory which allows him to skid the ball and is more difficult to hit than Hasaranga.

2) Proven winner in IPL

He already has an IPL title under his belt and was instrumental in the 2023 season when CSK won the IPL. During the 2023 season, he scalped 11 wickets in 13 matches and picked up scalps at crucial junctures.

Hasaranga, on the other hand came into IPL with a big reputation, but so far has failed to live up to the hype created around him.

1) IPL requires defensive spinners nowadays

The IPL rules have changed over the years and with the coming of the impact player rule, the dynamism has changed for the bowlers. No longer the batters fear the spinners as with the impact player rule, they know an extra batter is always there for the cushion.

Hasaranga isa better wicket-taking bowler than Theekshana, but nowadays teams require to have one bowler who can be a bit defensive and control the flow of runs, something which the Sri Lankan can do with utmost ease.