Tushar Deshpande, the 29-year-old pacer, finally earned his India cap in the ongoing 4th T20I against Zimbabwe. The second-string Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, has been in a commanding position in the series with a 2-1 lead. With a win away from clinching the series, the team management opted to give a chance to Deshpande for his debut. He has become only the 115th player to represent the Men in Blue in the shortest format.
From domestic star to IPL success
Deshpande has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit for Mumbai. He impressed everyone with his swing bowling and ability to execute yorkers at crucial junctures. While his stint with the Delhi Capitals gave him initial exposure in the IPL, it was with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) that he truly came into the limelight. He emerged as the highest wicket-taker for CSK in the recently concluded IPL 2024 season.
Tushar Deshpande IPL & SMAT stats
| Tournament | Inn | Wkts | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W & 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL 2024 | 13 | 17 | 24.94 | 8.83 | 16.94 | 1 & 0 |
| Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy | 8 | 16 | 12.81 | 6.98 | 11 | 1 & 0 |
Deshpande’s domestic dominance extended beyond the IPL. He was the leading wicket-taker for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) last year, claiming 16 wickets with an outstanding economy rate of under 7. This consistent performance across formats backed his call-up to the national team.
Adding another dimension to India’s bowling
Deshpande is known for his ability to swing the new ball and generate movement, especially in helpful bowling conditions. He’s also a valuable asset in the later overs, where his accurate yorkers can strangle batters. This versatility makes him a potential all-rounder in the bowling department for Team India. The 4th T20I against Zimbabwe presents a golden opportunity for Deshpande to showcase his skills at the international level. With India on the cusp of a series win, some eyes will be on the debutant to make a lasting impression.
