New Delhi: Proving liars wrong and winning them over has been the hallmark of Indian cricketer Tushar Deshpande’s playbook. A Mumbai Under-19 coach once questioned Deshpande’s ability to represent the national team as a fast bowler, and expressed disbelief in his ability to generate pace. The conversation depressed the 31-year-old cricketer. However, Deshpande overcame all scrutiny regarding his abilities while representing Team India and left his mark in the IPL over the years.The cricketer was once promoted from the 9th position to the 11th position by the batting coach of the Mumbai cricket team in the 2023-24 season. Deshpande gave a stern reply. Ranji Trophy In the quarter-final against Baroda, he scored 129 for 123 in an innings that included 10 fours and eight sixes. The 31-year-old cricketer holds the record for the highest individual score at a no. 11 batsmen in Ranji Trophy history, provide a fitting answer. “He thought I was not decent enough to bat at number nine. It hurt me a lot,” Deshpande said during an exclusive chat with TimesofIndia.com.
Batting exploits, all-round destruction.
Primarily recognized for his bowling in the shortest format, the Mumbai cricketer recently took a major step towards proving his credentials as a true all-rounder, emerging as a game changer in the Mumbai T20 League. Deshpande hit the joint-third most sixes (13) in the tournament, while also recording the third highest strike rate (188.06). The 31-year-old cricketer recorded the highest strike rate in the death overs (219) during the 2026 edition.Deshpande made a significant impact lower down the order, particularly catching the eye with an unbeaten 55 (25b, 6×6), which helped the Maratha Royals to 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 also emerging as the highest wicket-taker (12 outs).
Tushar Despande for Rajasthan Royals
Although Deshpande has always enjoyed natural ability, the lack of opportunities with the bat in the shortest format has not seen that skill set. However, the 31-year-old cricketer made the most of the recent IPL 2026 season with RR, fine-tuning his shot selection and skill set under coach Siddhartha Lahri. Deshpande worked on some technical aspects, paying close attention to correcting the backlift, bat swing, pickup and stance, resulting in greater ease while hitting sixes.
A strong knock against SRH is a confidence booster.
“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 different forms of white ball. Tushar hit three sixes in the match against SRH and became more conscious of stamping his authority as an all-rounder,” said Lahri.Deshpande played a lot of matches on the Mumbai pitches, where a lot of power is required, showing a strong belief in being able to clear any boundary. The 31-year-old further highlighted the outstanding support of his father Uday as a key 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 struggling. I have hardly faced six balls in the last four years in the IPL, so the innings against SRH was the opportunity I was waiting for. 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 Ishan Malinga and Parful Hinge made me believe that I can break any bowler. Everyone loves my batting but to be honest my father is not afraid because he always knew and believed”.
‘CSK played key role in limited overs success’
Interestingly, Uday Deshpande played a key role in his son’s current success, prompting Tushar to talk to the team management about more batting opportunities in the Mumbai T20 League.
Tushar Deshpande for CSK (TOI photo)
The cricketer’s father said, “I asked him to talk to the coach or the franchise owners, requesting them to give him a chance to bat at a higher position, which he has done well. Hitting sixes is a skill he has always had along with great vision, which in turn boosts my confidence. Being a lefty is an added advantage”. Uday further praised CSK and MS. Dhoni for his role in developing Deshpande’s limited-overs gameplay, saying that he made key contributions.
‘Never an excuse’
Discipline and consistency have been key attributes in the 31-year-old cricketer’s success, with a focus on building overall athleticism. Working with strength and conditioning coach Vidhi Singhvi, Deshpande has not missed a single scheduled session over the past six years.“You tell him to do something, he’ll do it. There’s never an excuse. I actually have to tell him, you know, let’s take a break. From the beginning, one thing we have had is that regardless of the ups and downs, it is all about execution,” said Singhvi.
A desire to imitate Ben Stokes
Deshpande’s former coach Parveen Amre He believes the cricketer can prove to be a valuable fast bowler all-rounder for Team India in white-ball cricket, which highlights his improved clarity. Amre added that Tushar is definitely well-placed to showcase his skills as an all-round performer if given the opportunity. The 31-year-old cricketer has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, adding to his ability to find solutions as a result of his experience in the IPL, said former Mumbai captain Shashir Hatningadi. Hittingadi drew particular attention to his ability to pick up gaps, saying the selectors will be watching his performance closely.Deshpande expressed his desire to emulate Ben Stokes, whom he considers one of his favorite players. “There is no one in Indian cricket who can bowl at 145 kmph plus and bat well in the lower order. I think Tushar should be considered for the national team,” the cricketer’s father said.
