But who is Tushar Deshpande behind the cricketing stats? How did he go from playing in Mumbai’s maidans to sharing the dressing room with legends like MS Dhoni? In this biography, we’ll dive deep into his early life, career struggles, IPL journey, and future prospects.
Early Life & Background
Born on May 15, 1995, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Tushar Deshpande grew up in a middle-class family with a deep love for cricket. Like many Indian kids, he started playing gully cricket before joining a local academy. His father, a government employee, and his mother, a homemaker, supported his passion despite financial constraints.
Key Turning Point: Joining the Mumbai Cricket Circuit
Mumbai has always been a cricket factory, producing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Rohit Sharma. For Tushar, breaking into Mumbai’s competitive cricket scene wasn’t easy. He trained at the Dadar Union Sporting Club, a nursery for many Mumbai cricketers, where his raw pace caught the attention of coaches.
Domestic Cricket Career: The Stepping Stones
First-Class Debut (2016-17 Season)
Tushar made his Ranji Trophy debut for Mumbai in 2016 against Railways. Though he didn’t set the stage on fire immediately, his ability to bowl 140+ km/h deliveries made him a prospect to watch.
Breakthrough Season (2019-20)
His real breakthrough came in the 2019-20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he emerged as Mumbai’s leading wicket-taker with 12 scalps. His performance earned him a spot in the IPL 2020 Auction, where Delhi Capitals (DC) picked him up.
IPL Journey: From Delhi Capitals to Chennai Super Kings
IPL Debut with Delhi Capitals (2020)
Tushar made his IPL debut in 2020 under the guidance of Ricky Ponting. Though he played only a few matches, sharing the dressing room with Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje helped him refine his skills.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – The Big Leap (2022-Present)
In 2022, CSK bought him for ₹20 lakh, and under MS Dhoni’s mentorship, his career took off. His best IPL season came in 2023, where he picked 21 wickets, becoming one of CSK’s most reliable bowlers in their title-winning campaign.
Memorable IPL Performances:
- 4/27 vs Delhi Capitals (2023) – A match-winning spell
- Crucial death-over spells in playoffs – Proving his nerve under pressure
Playing Style & Strengths
What Makes Tushar Deshpande Special?
- Pace & Variations – Can bowl 140-145 km/h with a sharp bouncer and deceptive slower balls.
- Death Bowling – Improved his yorkers under CSK’s coaching.
- Fighting Spirit – Known for his never-give-up attitude, even in high-pressure games.
Areas to Improve
- Consistency – Sometimes leaks runs in T20s.
- Fitness – Needs to maintain peak conditioning to avoid injuries.
Personal Life & Lesser-Known Facts
- Nickname: “Turbo” (for his explosive pace)
- Favorite Cricketer: Glenn McGrath (loves his disciplined line & length)
- Off-Field: Enjoys Marathi movies and street food in Mumbai.
Future Prospects: Will He Play for India?
With Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami leading India’s pace attack, breaking into the national team is tough. However, if Tushar maintains his IPL form and dominates domestic cricket, an India call-up isn’t far away.
What Experts Say:
- Harbhajan Singh praised his “fearless bowling” in IPL 2023.
- MS Dhoni has often backed him in crunch situations.
Final Thoughts: A Star in the Making
From Mumbai’s maidans to IPL glory, Tushar Deshpande’s journey is a testament to hard work and perseverance. While he still has areas to improve, his pace, wicket-taking ability, and fighting spirit make him one of India’s most exciting fast-bowling talents.
Will we see him in the Indian jersey soon? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain – Tushar Deshpande is a name to remember!
Aamir Ahmad Fateh is a seasoned digital marketer and experienced news writer with over 7 years of expertise in covering political affairs, social issues, technology, sports, and Bollywood. He is the founder and chief editor of 24fnews.com, where he is dedicated to delivering accurate, unbiased, and timely news to a wide audience every day. His sharp insights and journalistic integrity make him a trusted voice in the digital news space.
