Tushar Deshpande Reflects on Learning from Rohit Sharma and His IPL Journey

Tushar Deshpande, the Mumbai speedster, shares insights from his time playing alongside Rohit Sharma, emphasizing the lessons learned in pressure management and composure. As he prepares for the IPL 2026 season with the Rajasthan Royals, Deshpande reflects on a successful domestic season post-surgery, where he maintained impressive bowling speeds and consistency. With a commendable record in the IPL, including a standout season with Chennai Super Kings, Deshpande's journey showcases his growth as a cricketer and his commitment to excellence in the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 23, 2026, 21:01 IST

Gaining Insights from a Cricketing Icon

Tushar Deshpande, a fast bowler from Mumbai, shared his thoughts on the invaluable experience of playing alongside Indian cricket icon Rohit Sharma during domestic matches. He emphasized how observing Sharma's demeanor, composure, and ability to manage pressure has influenced his own game. Deshpande had the opportunity to play with Sharma in December 2025 during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where Sharma participated in the initial matches against Sikkim and Uttarakhand. Looking ahead, Deshpande is gearing up to represent the Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming IPL 2026 season, having been retained by the team due to his impressive performance last season. "Being in the same dressing room as Rohit Sharma was an incredible experience. You learn a lot just by watching him—his approach, his calmness, and how he deals with pressure. I’ve tried to incorporate those lessons into my own style," Deshpande remarked.

Reflecting on a Successful Domestic Season

Deshpande took a moment to reflect on his domestic season for 2025/26, expressing pride in his comeback after surgery and his ability to maintain consistency throughout. He noted that he finished the season on a high note, consistently bowling over 140 km/h, and highlighted the significance of discipline, executing strategies during crucial moments, and focusing on fitness. "I’m thankful for the season I had. Returning from surgery, it was crucial for me to remain consistent and complete the entire season, which I’m pleased I managed to do. Ending the season strongly and still bowling above 140 in the quarter-finals was a positive takeaway. Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of discipline in every phase and am working on better execution of my plans during key moments while continuing to enhance my fitness," he explained.

IPL Career Overview

In the recently concluded Ranji Trophy, Deshpande had a commendable performance, taking 25 wickets across eight matches with an average of 25.76, and achieving best figures of 4/33. He was retained by the Rajasthan Royals for the 2026 season, following a solid showing last year where he played 10 matches, taking 9 wickets at an average of 37.78, with his best performance being 3/44. Overall, Deshpande has participated in 46 IPL matches, claiming 51 wickets with an average of 31.04. Throughout his IPL career, he has represented three franchises: Delhi Capitals (2020-2021), Chennai Super Kings (2022-2024), and Rajasthan Royals (2025-present). His standout season came in 2023, where he led CSK's bowling attack, securing 21 wickets in 16 matches and becoming the team's top wicket-taker in their championship-winning season.