Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Tushar Deshpande has boldly sent a strong message about his improved batting to everyone following his maiden Ranji Trophy century while batting at number 11.
28-year-old Mumbai pacer Tushar Deshpande has earned himself recognition over the past couple of years with his good performances at Chennai Super Kings in the IPL under MS Dhoni and was part of the title-winning squad last year.
With a secondary skillset a much-needed factor in players upscaling their careers, Deshpande proved his batting ability in Mumbai’s latest Ranji game against Baroda in at the Bandra Kurla Complex.
Not only Deshpande, who batted at number 11, but also Tanush Kotian, who batted at number 10, raised a century. Kotian scored an unbeaten 120 off 129 balls, and Tushar Deshpande was dismissed for 123 off 129 balls.
The pair recorded the second-highest 10th-wicket stand in Ranji Trophy history of 232 runs. That helped Mumbai put 569 runs on the board in their second innings and the quarter-final match ended in a draw, with Mumbai proceeding to the semi-final because of a first innings lead.
I can hit big, I have played a lot of rubber-ball cricket: Tushar Deshpande
Deshpande said he wanted to prove his batting, and dedicated this ton to his father.
Tushar Deshpande said, “Feeling very satisfied with the knock because I was batting at No 11 and I was able to do this. I always wanted to prove that I can bat, my father always believed that I can be a very good all-rounder and this innings is for him.”
“I can hit big, I have played a lot of rubber-ball cricket and I used to hit big from the U-14 days.”
Deshpande was used as an Impact Player last season by MS Dhoni in the IPL. With CSK buying Shardul Thakur in the auction, Deshpande’s place is under threat, but this batting effort will make his case stronger.
The IPL 2024 will kick-start on March 22 at the Chepauk. CSK will host Faf du Plessis’ RCB.
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