Mumbai pacer Tushar Deshpande to return for second phase of Ranji Trophy

Mumbai pacer Tushar Deshpande underwent an ankle operation on September 13 in London. He was initially ruled out from the Duleep Trophy and the first leg of the Ranji Trophy and will also miss the upcoming edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), starting November 23. As things stand, the 29-year-old is in rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the second leg of the Ranji season, starting January 23.

Meanwhile, Deshpande missing SMAT is a major blow to him, given that the pacer was released by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL mega-auction. The T20 tournament was a perfect opportunity to showcase his skills and attract more franchises. Notably, the cricketer played 13 matches for the five-time champions in IPL 2024, picking up 17 wickets. In 2023, he clinched 23 wickets in 16 games.

Chennai can end up using their Right to Match (RTM) card to get back Deshpande from the mega-auction. He was captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s go-to option at the death overs, alongside Matheesha Pathirana. Since there are plenty of options available, CSK may vary their options but given that he has already done well for them, Deshpande can be higher on the list.

He also played a key role in Mumbai’s 42nd Ranji Trophy title-winning campaign earlier in the year. Deshpande picked up 15 wickets in five games and also scored a century against Baroda in the quarter-final. After winning the title and doing well for CSK, he was called into the national team, where the pacer played a couple of T20Is against Zimbabwe, picking up two wickets.

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A source close to BCCI recently updated Deshpande’s injury status and they informed that Deshpande is currently at the centre of excellence and his progress is being closely monitored. “He is recovering well at the moment, undergoing rehab at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru,” a source close to BCCI told TOI.