Paternal fingerprints behind Tushar Deshpande’s revolutionary T20 power

Tushar Deshpande (Photo by TOI) NEW DELHI: Proving the naysayers wrong and winning them over has been the hallmark of Indian cricketer Tushar Deshpande’s game over the years. The Mumbai Under-19 coach once questioned Deshpande’s potential to represent the national team as a pacer and expressed a lack of faith in his ability to generate pace. The interview left the 31-year-old cricketer feeling depressed. However, Deshpande overcame all scrutiny regarding his abilities, represented Team India and left a mark in the IPL over the years.The cricketer was once demoted from number 9 to 11 by the batting coach of the Mumbai cricket team in the season 2023-24. Deshpande responded strongly in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Baroda, smashing 123 off 129 with a knock that included 10 fours and eight sixes. The 31-year-old cricketer posted the highest individual score of no. 11 Tests in Ranji Trophy history that 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 interaction with TimesofIndia.com.

Batting exploits, all-round destruction

Mainly recognized for his bowling in the shortest format, the Mumbai cricketer recently took a major step to prove his credentials as a true all-rounder, becoming a game-changer in the Mumbai T20 league. Deshpande smashed the joint third highest number of sixes (13) in the tournament and also recorded the third highest number of strikes (188.06). The 31-year-old cricketer recorded the highest number of strikes during the 2026 edition in deaths (219).Deshpande left a significant impact on the order, notably with an eye-catching unbeaten 55 (25b, 6×6) that helped Maratha Royals post 203 after being reduced to 130/8 at one stage. The Royals became the first team in the tournament’s history to defend their title, with the 31-year-old cricketer also becoming the top wicket-taker (12 dismissals).

Tushar Despande for Rajasthan Royals

While Deshpande has always enjoyed natural ability, the lack of opportunities with the bat in the shortest format has meant that skill set has not caught the eye. However, the 31-year-old cricketer made the most of the recent IPL 2026 season with RR, fine-tuning his shot selection and skills under coach Siddhartha Lahiri. Deshpande has worked on certain technical aspects, with a heavy focus on fine-tuning the back stroke, swing of the bat, pickup and stance, resulting in added ease in smashing sixes.

A big blow against SRH boosts confidence

“Tushar spent a lot of time working on his bat, practicing 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 the match against SRH and became even more aware of being an all-rounder to reinforce his authority,” said Lahiri.Deshpande has expressed a strong belief that he can cross any boundary as he has played many matches at the Maidans in Mumbai where a lot of power is required. The 31-year-old further highlighted his father Uday’s significant support as a major factor behind this success.“I was waiting for an opportunity like the game against SRH to face a few balls. The team was in a difficult situation. In the last four years in the IPL, I hardly got to six balls, so the innings against SRH was the chance I was waiting for. 25(11) gave me a lot of confidence,” Deshpande said.“My father always told me that I can be the best all-rounder in fast bowling. Those sixes against Eshan Malinga and Praful Hinge convinced me that I can smash any bowler. Everyone loves my bat but to be honest my father is not impressed because he always knew and believed that,” he added.

“CSK played a key role in the limited overs success”

Interestingly, Uday Deshpande has played a key role in his son’s current success and encouraged Tushar to talk to the team management about more batting opportunities in the Mumbai T20 League.

Tushar Deshpande for CSK (TOI photo)

“I told him to talk to the coach or the franchise owner, I asked them for a chance to bat at a higher position, which worked. The ability to smash sixes is an ability he has always had along with excellent vision, which boosted my confidence. Being a left-hander is another advantage,” said the cricketer’s father. Uday further praised CSK and MS Dhoni for their role in developing Deshpande’s limited overs game and said that they contributed in a key way.

‘Never No Excuses’

Discipline and consistency have been key attributes of the 31-year-old cricketer’s success with a focus on building overall athleticism. Deshpande has not missed a single scheduled workout during the past six years of working with strength and conditioning coach Vidhi Sanghvi.“You tell him to do something, he does it. There are never any excuses. I have to actually tell him, you know, we’re going to take a break. One thing we’ve had right from the beginning is that it’s all about the process, regardless of the ups and downs,” Sanghvi said.

A desire to emulate Ben Stokes

Deshpande’s former coach Pravin Amre believes the cricketer can be a valuable fast bowling all-rounder for India’s white-ball cricket team, highlighting his increased clarity. Amre added that Tushar is certainly in a good position to showcase his skills as an all-rounder if given the opportunity. Former Mumbai captain Shishir Hattangadi said the 31-year-old cricketer has emerged as a force to be reckoned with and his IPL experience has led to a better ability to find solutions. Hattangadi particularly drew attention to his ability to pick the gaps and said the selectors will be keeping a close eye on his performances.Deshpande has expressed a keen desire to emulate Ben Stokes, whom he considers one of his favorite players. “There is no one in Indian cricket who can bowl at 145km/h and bat well in the lower order. I think Tushar should be considered for the national team,” said the cricketer’s father.