Tushar Deshpande's Journey from Struggle to Triumph with MS Dhoni's Guidance

CSK's Tushar Deshpande shared how MS Dhoni's inspiring words motivated him during the 2023 IPL season. Despite facing initial challenges, he played a pivotal role in CSK's fifth title win. Amid injuries, Deshpande led the bowling attack, taking 21 wickets in 16 matches.

Tushar Deshpande, a seamer for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has credited inspirational words from cricketing legend MS Dhoni for motivating him ahead of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Initially struggling, Deshpande eventually played a crucial role in CSK's fifth title victory, cementing his position in the team's bowling unit.

During the 2023 season, CSK faced a significant injury crisis among their pace bowlers, including injuries to Ben Stokes, Deepak Chahar, Sisanda Magala, Simarjeet Singh, and Mukesh Choudhary. In their absence, Deshpande led the attack alongside young talents like Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Matheesha Pathirana, and Akash Singh. Rising to the challenge, Deshpande took 21 wickets in 16 matches, boasting an economy rate of 9.92.

Recounting a conversation with Dhoni during the IPL 2023 prep camp, Deshpande shared, 'You have everything to succeed at an international level. Be calm during your run-up, don't get distracted by the crowd. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and bowl.' These words had a profound impact on the bowler's performance.

Despite a costly spell in the season opener against Gujarat Titans (GT), Dhoni encouraged Deshpande to persevere, telling him, 'You bowled all good balls; it wasn't your day. Repeat the same in the next match.' This support was crucial for Deshpande as he continued to improve.

His knack for taking wickets in challenging situations has been significant. Dhoni's advice to stick to his strengths and focus on fitness has been instrumental. Deshpande recalled an instance where bowling a bouncer instead of a yorker during practice led Dhoni to advise him, 'Don't play cricket in the mind. A yorker is a yorker, and no one can hit you.'

Deshpande made his national debut during the tour of Zimbabwe in July 2024, recording figures of 1-30 and securing his spot for the next match.

(With inputs from agencies.)