Tushar Deshpande: From Mumbai’s Domestic Circuit to India’s Pace Attack

Tushar Deshpande, a stocky bowler from Mumbai, is known for his pace, unpredictable variety, and wicket-taking ability. After years of hard work in the domestic circuit, Deshpande made his India debut at the age of 29, marking a remarkable achievement in his career. His journey to the top has been one of perseverance, and his performances in various formats have earned him recognition as one of India’s rising fast-bowling talents.

Early Career and Domestic Success

Deshpande’s cricketing journey began in Mumbai, where he first made a mark by picking wickets in the Cooch Behar Trophy. His first-class debut came in 2016-17, when he had a stellar season in the Ranji Trophy. He took 19 wickets in his first five matches and finished the season with 21 wickets, helping Mumbai reach the finals. Deshpande’s performances with the white ball were also impressive, as he claimed 15 wickets in eight matches during Mumbai’s triumph in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2018-19.

IPL Journey: A Tale of Perseverance

Deshpande’s IPL journey started in 2020 when Delhi Capitals (DC) picked him for INR 20 lakh. His debut season was challenging, as he struggled with consistency, picking only three wickets in five games with an economy rate of 11.29. DC released him, but Deshpande’s hard work in domestic cricket paid off. He was picked by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2022, although he played just two matches that season.

Turning Point: IPL 2023

The 2023 IPL season proved to be a turning point in Deshpande’s career. With Dwayne Bravo retiring and Deepak Chahar injured, Deshpande became CSK’s go-to seamer. He worked hard on his yorkers and death-bowling skills and became the team’s top wicket-taker, claiming 21 wickets in their victorious campaign. His consistency continued in 2024, when he took 17 wickets and played a vital role in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy-winning season. Deshpande also made his India A debut and was later selected for his T20I debut in Zimbabwe in July 2024.

IPL 2025: A New Beginning with Rajasthan Royals

Despite his stellar performances in 2023 and 2024, CSK released Deshpande ahead of the 2025 IPL mega auction. Rajasthan Royals recognized his potential and secured him for INR 6.5 crore. With his experience and skills, Deshpande is poised to make an even greater impact in IPL 2025.

Legacy and Future

Tushar Deshpande’s journey from the fringes of Mumbai cricket to making his T20I debut for India is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game. Known for his pace and ability to bowl in the death overs, Deshpande is a key player to watch in the future. His consistency in both domestic and international cricket makes him a valuable asset for Rajasthan Royals and the Indian team.