Indian cricketer Tushar Deshpande has consistently silenced his critics, turning skepticism into admiration throughout his career. A Mumbai U-19 coach once doubted his potential to represent the national team as a fast bowler, questioning his ability to generate pace. This comment left the 31-year-old cricketer feeling depressed. However, Deshpande overcame all scrutiny regarding his capabilities, eventually representing Team India and making a significant impact in the IPL over the years.
Batting Exploits and All-Round Destruction
Deshpande was once demoted from number 9 to the 11th position by the Mumbai cricket team's batting coach during the 2023-24 season. He responded emphatically in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Baroda, smashing 123 off 129 balls, including 10 fours and eight sixes. This knock became the highest individual score by a number 11 batter in Ranji Trophy history. "He thought I wasn't decent enough to bat at the ninth position. It hurt me a lot," said Deshpande during an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com.
Primarily recognized for his bowling in the shortest format, Deshpande recently took a significant step toward proving his credentials as a genuine all-rounder. In the Mumbai T20 league, he smashed the joint third-highest number of sixes (13) and recorded the third-highest strike rate (188.06). He also achieved the highest strike rate during the death overs in the 2026 edition (219).
Deshpande left a notable impact down the order, especially with an unbeaten 55 off 25 balls, including six sixes, which helped the Maratha Royals post 203 after being reduced to 130/8. The Royals became the first team in the tournament's history to defend their title, with Deshpande also emerging as the top wicket-taker (12 dismissals).
Tushar Deshpande for Rajasthan Royals
While Deshpande always possessed natural ability, a lack of opportunities with the bat in the shortest format prevented his skill set from gaining attention. However, he took full advantage of the IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals, fine-tuning his shot selection and technique under coach Siddhartha Lahiri. He focused on technical aspects such as back lift, bat swing, pickup, and stance, making it easier to smash sixes.
Big-Hitting Against SRH Boosts Confidence
"Tushar spent a lot of time working on his batting, practicing specific drills. It was necessary to switch from a thought process based on red-ball cricket to the white-ball variant. Tushar smashed three sixes in a match against SRH and became even more conscious about stamping his authority as an all-rounder," said Lahiri.
Deshpande expressed strong belief in his ability to clear any boundary, having played many matches on Mumbai's maidans, where power is essential. He highlighted the significant backing from his father Uday as a major factor behind his success. "I was waiting for an opportunity like the match against SRH where one could face a few balls. The team was in a difficult situation. I hardly got to face six balls in the last four years in the IPL, so the innings against SRH was the chance I was waiting for. The 25(11) gave me a lot of confidence," said Deshpande.
"My father always told me that I can be the best fast-bowling all-rounder. Those sixes against Eshan Malinga and Praful Hinge convinced me that I can smash any bowler. Everyone is loving my batting but to be honest, my father is not awe-struck because he always knew and believed," he added.
CSK Have Played Key Role in Limited-Overs Success
Uday Deshpande played a crucial role in his son's current success, encouraging Tushar to speak to the team management about more batting opportunities in the Mumbai T20 League. "I told him to speak to the coach or the franchise owners, requesting them for a chance to bat at a higher position, which has worked out well. Being able to smash sixes is an ability he has always possessed along with great eyesight, resulting in my confidence. Being a lefty is an added advantage," said the cricketer's father. Uday further hailed Chennai Super Kings and MS Dhoni for their role in developing Deshpande's limited-overs gameplay, stating that they made a key contribution.
No Excuses Ever
Discipline and consistency have been key attributes in Deshpande's success, with a focus on building overall athleticism. He hasn't missed a single scheduled session during the last six years while working with strength and conditioning coach Vidhi Sanghvi. "You tell him to do something, he will make it happen. There are no excuses ever. I have to actually tell him that, you know, let's take a break. Right from the very start, we've had this one thing that it's all about the process, irrespective of ups and downs," said Sanghvi.
Desire to Emulate Ben Stokes
Deshpande's former coach Pravin Amre believes that the cricketer can be a valuable fast-bowling all-rounder for Team India in white-ball cricket, highlighting his enhanced clarity. Amre added that Tushar is well placed to showcase his skills as an all-round performer if given opportunities. Former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi stated that the 31-year-old has emerged as a force to reckon with, his IPL experience enhancing his ability to find solutions. Hattangadi drew attention to his ability to pick gaps, stating that selectors will be watching his performances closely.
Deshpande expressed a keen desire to emulate Ben Stokes, one of his favorite players. "There is no one in Indian cricket who can bowl 145 kmph plus and bat well in the lower order. I think Tushar should be considered for the national team," said the cricketer's father.
