NEW DELHI: Proving naysayers wrong and winning them over has been a hallmark of Indian cricketer Tushar Deshpande’s playbook over the years. A Mumbai U-19 coach once questioned Deshpande’s potential to represent the national team as a pacer, expressing a lack of faith in his ability to generate pace. The conversation made the 31-year-old cricketer feel depressed. However, Deshpande overcame all the scrutiny regarding his capabilities, representing Team India and leaving a mark in the IPL over the years.The cricketer was once demoted from number 9 to the 11th position by the batting coach of the Mumbai cricket team back in the 2023-24 season. Deshpande responded strongly in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Baroda, smashing 123 off 129 in a knock comprising 10 fours and eight sixes. The 31-year-old cricketer recorded the highest individual score by a no. 11 batter in Ranji Trophy history, providing a fitting response. “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.
Batting exploits, all-round destruction
Recognised mainly for his bowling in the shortest format, the Mumbai cricketer recently took a significant step towards proving his credentials as a genuine all-rounder, emerging as a game-changer in the Mumbai T20 league. Deshpande smashed the joint third-highest number of sixes (13) in the tournament, recording the third-highest strike rate (188.06) as well. The 31-year-old cricketer recorded the highest strike rate during the 2026 edition in the death overs (219).Deshpande left a significant impact down the order, especially catching the eye with an unbeaten 55 (25b, 6×6), which helped the Maratha Royals post 203 after being reduced to 130/8 at one point. The Royals became the first team in the tournament’s history to defend their title, with the 31-year-old cricketer emerging as the top wicket-taker (12 dismissals) as well.
Tushar Despande for Rajasthan Royals
While Deshpande always enjoyed natural ability, a lack of opportunities with the bat in the shortest format resulted in this skill set not catching the eye. However, the 31-year-old cricketer took full advantage of the recent IPL 2026 season with RR, fine-tuning his shot selection and skill set under coach Siddhartha Lahiri. Deshpande worked on certain technical aspects, with keen focus towards tweaking the back lift, bat swing, pickup and stance, resulting in further ease while smashing sixes.
Big-hitting against SRH boosts confidence
“Tushar spent a lot of time working on his batting, practising 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 going ahead as an all-rounder,” said Lahiri.Deshpande expressed a strong belief in being able to clear any boundary, having played a lot of matches on the maidans of Mumbai, where a lot of power is necessary. The 31-year-old further highlighted the significant backing from his father Uday as a major factor behind this 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’
Interestingly, Uday Deshpande played a key role in his son’s current success, encouraging Tushar to speak to the team management about more batting opportunities in the Mumbai T20 League.
Tushar Deshpande for CSK (TOI Photo)
“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 CSK and MS Dhoni for their role in developing Deshpande’s limited-overs gameplay, stating that they have made a key contribution.
‘No excuses ever’
Discipline and consistency have been key attributes in the 31-year-old cricketer’s success, with focus on building overall athleticism. Deshpande 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 certainly well placed to showcase his skills as an all-round performer if handed opportunities. Former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi stated that the 31-year-old cricketer has emerged as a force to reckon, with his experience in IPL resulting in an enhanced ability to find solutions. Hattangadi especially drew the spotlight towards his ability to pick gaps, stating that the selectors will be watching his performances closely.Deshpande expressed a keen desire to emulate Ben Stokes, whom he considers one of his favourite 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.