The rising star of Indian cricket, Tushar Deshpande, is climbing the ladder of success one after another, even before starting his international career. The Mumbai and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer recently earned his first call-up to the Indian team for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe.
Now, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is said to have awarded Deshpande a fast bowling contract much before his first selection to the Indian cricket team for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. , starting July 6.
BCCI awards fast bowling contract to rising star Tushar Deshpande
Deshpande’s journey towards this milestone was a result of his consistent performances for Mumbai and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), respectively, over the years.
His impressive performance and ability to make crucial breakthroughs with the ball over the last few IPL seasons have caught the attention of the Indian selectors. Notably, Deshpande played a key role in Mumbai’s success in the 42nd Ranji Trophy season, demonstrating his abilities with a total of 15 wickets in five matches.
He also had a stellar performance in the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy season, where the talented pacer claimed 23 wickets in just six matches, further cementing his reputation as a promising fast bowler in Indian cricket.
Earlier this year, Deshpande’s talent was on full display during India A’s campaign against England A, proving his ability to perform under pressure at international level by taking 15 wickets in five matches. He has also had 17 and 21 wickets to his name in the last two IPL seasons with CSK.
“Tushar Deshpande has improved immensely in the last 18 months”
According to the Times of India, a BCCI source revealed, “Yes, Tushar and Mayank Yadav received their fast bowling contracts right after an impressive performance in IPL-2024. Tushar has been bowling consistently for Mumbai and CSK for the last two seasons and has improved immensely in the last 18 months. That is why he has been picked in India’s T20I squad for Zimbabwe and has been given a fast bowling contract.”
Apart from Deshpande, six pacers have also been given BCCI fast bowling contracts, including Delhi and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Mayank Yadav, Bengal and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) seamer Akash Deep and another RCB star Vijaykumar Vyshak.
Jammu & Kashmir, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) speedster Umran Malik, Uttar Pradesh and RCB Yash Dayal, and Karnataka Vidwath Kaverappa have also been awarded fast bowling contract by the BCCI.
Notably, earlier this year, the BCCI announced the introduction of fast bowling contracts for select players who have represented India or are about to do so in the future.
However, these bowlers have not been included in the central contracts but will receive full support from the BCCI, ensuring that their training and injury management will be monitored by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
