'He backs his yorkers': How Tushar Deshpande nailed the final over
Tushar Deshpande's exceptional last over, defending 11 runs with precise yorkers and low full tosses, secured a thrilling six-run victory for Rajasthan Royals. This performance marks a well-deserved recognition for the Mumbai pacer, who has consistently toiled in domestic cricket and the IPL, overcoming injuries and focusing on his core strength of pace.
MUMBAI: The praise coming for Tushar Deshpande from all quarters after he bowled a brilliant last over, displaying ice cool nerves while firing in superb yorkers and low full tosses to concede just four runs in the final over while taking a wicket, when Gujarat Titans needed 11, to fashion Rajasthan Royals' thrilling six-run win at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday night is well deserved, and also, much awaited. For years, the Mumbai fast bowler has been toiling and performing decently well in domestic cricket, and in the IPL, without too much reward and recognition. Unlike many quick bowlers who become magically fit and available during the IPL, the 30-year-old 'Kalyan Express' believes in putting his heart and soul while bowling in all the domestic tournaments for Mumbai.
In the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy quarterfinal match at the MCA-BKC ground, Deshpande stood out in Mumbai’s six-wicket defeat, taking four for 33 and two for 67 while bowling lively spells. From 2022-24, Deshpande enjoyed a successful stint at the Chennai Super Kings, while playing under the captaincy of the legendary MS Dhoni. Subsequently, Rajasthan Royals bought him for Rs 6.
50 crores, but the seasoned pacer didn't enjoy a great IPL-2025, taking nine wickets in 10 matches at 37. 27 at an economy rate of 10. 62.
When rookie pacer Brijesh Sharma made his debut in RR's first match of IPL-2026 against Chennai Super Kings at Guwahati, one thought that RR had given a chance to the young fast bowler at the expense of Deshpande. However, TOI has learnt that Deshpande missed out in RR's opener because he suffered a freak injury at the last minute. "He suffered a freak foot injury just a few hours before the game, when a glass fell on his foot in his hotel room.
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