Tushar Ulhas Deshpande is an Indian cricketer who plays as a right-arm fast-medium bowler. He represents Maharashtra in domestic cricket and has featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL), most prominently for Chennai Super Kings.
| Full name | Tushar Ulhas Deshpande |
|---|---|
| Born | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Role | Bowler |
| Bowling style | Right-arm fast-medium |
| Batting style | Right-handed |
| Domestic team | Maharashtra |
| IPL teams | Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals |
Deshpande was born and brought up in Mumbai, where he came through age-group cricket before progressing to senior domestic cricket. He represented India at the under-19 level and went on to make his transition to first-class cricket through the Maharashtra side.
Deshpande plays in the Ranji Trophy, the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Maharashtra. He is known for his ability to bowl at a brisk pace, swing the new ball and operate with the older ball at the death, particularly in white-ball formats.
Deshpande was first picked up by Delhi Capitals in the IPL, where he featured in limited opportunities. He was later signed by Chennai Super Kings, and during the 2023 season he emerged as one of the team's leading pace bowlers, contributing significantly to their title-winning campaign under MS Dhoni. He continued to play for Chennai Super Kings in subsequent seasons before being traded to Rajasthan Royals.
Deshpande relies on pace, hard lengths and a wobble-seam delivery that has become a feature of his bowling in the shorter formats. He is regularly used in the powerplay and at the death in T20 cricket, and is considered an enforcer with the new ball in first-class matches.
Deshpande's rise represents the steady supply of fast-bowling talent emerging from Mumbai's club cricket circuit and Maharashtra's domestic structure. His performances in the IPL have placed him among the pool of Indian pace bowlers considered for higher honours.