Mumbai fast bowler Tushar Deshpande made a remarkable comeback to red-ball cricket after battling severe bronchitis during his Ranji Trophy comeback against Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar. The right-arm fast bowler continued playing despite having trouble breathing on the opening day of the match.
Deshpande returned to red-ball cricket after a gap of 18 months. He suffered severe breathing problems during the warm-up on the opening day at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium located at the height of Srinagar. However, he helped the team win against Jammu and Kashmir in Ranji Trophy 2025-26.
Tushar Deshpande’s bowling helps Mumbai win in Ranji Trophy opener
According to a report by Rajasthan Royals, Tushar Deshpande was having trouble breathing during the warm-up on the opening day. The fast bowler was taken to hospital for treatment and doctors were unsure about his participation in the match.
Mumbai scored 386 runs in its first innings. Deshpande, who had still not fully recovered, insisted on returning to bowling during the second day. Despite the pain, the fast bowler bowled 35 overs in two innings and took four wickets.
He earned widespread praise for his unwavering commitment to the game. On Saturday, 18 October, Mumbai won by 35 runs.
I emptied for 10 seconds during the warm-up – Tushar Deshpande
While talking to Rajasthan Royals, Tushar Deshpande called this match important for both the team and himself. He also revealed that he briefly fainted during the warm-up, but his determination to perform for the team helped him get on the field.
“It was an important game for us and also for me personally. Jammu and Kashmir had beaten us last season and we wanted to start this campaign on the right note. It was also big for me as I was making a comeback in Ranji after one and a half years,” Deshpande said.
“During the warm-up, I missed 10 seconds, but the will to do it for my team helped me overcome my discomfort,” he said.
After the match, the Mumbai team went home to celebrate Diwali. They will now turn their focus to the next Ranji Trophy encounter against Chhattisgarh, which is scheduled to begin on October 25 at the Wankhede Stadium.
IPL 2025 season mixed for Tushar Deshpande after ankle surgery
Tushar Deshpande missed the entire 2024-25 domestic season due to ankle surgery, but made a comeback in IPL 2025 after being bought by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 6.5 crore.
However, his performance with the Jaipur-based team remained inconsistent. He took nine wickets in 10 matches at an average of 37.77 and an expensive economy rate of 10.63.
Deshpande has played 39 first-class matches and taken 104 wickets at an average of 29.67, including five five-wicket hauls with his best figures of 6/70. He made his international debut in 2024 during a T20I match against Zimbabwe.
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