India pacer Tushar Deshpande exhibited great determination in fighting acute breathing issues during his first Ranji Trophy match in 18 months in frosty Srinagar for Mumbai over the last five days.
“Playing at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar, a venue known for its high altitude and low oxygen levels, Deshpande was warming up on the opening day when he suddenly experienced acute breathlessness,” Deshpande’s IPL club, Rajasthan Royals, revealed on their website.
The 30-year-old Deshpande was understood to have immediately rushed from the ground to a local hospital. He received emergency treatment for the bronchitis flare-up. According to the Royals, the doctors were unsure of Deshpande’s participation in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy season opener against J&K after assessing the pacer’s condition.
‘I blanked out for 10 seconds’
But a dogged Deshpande willed to fight on, partnering Mumbai captain Shardul Thakur to helm the pace attack in a tricky match for Mumbai.
Despite still recovering, Deshpande insisted on taking the field on Day 2 after Mumbai’s dominant total of 386. His extraordinary endurance and commitment were on full display as he powered through 35 intense overs, ultimately proving to be Mumbai’s most effective bowler.
“This was a crucial game for us and for me personally too,” Deshpande told Rajasthan Royals after the match. “Jammu and Kashmir had defeated us last season and we wanted to start this campaign on the right note. It was also big for me because I was returning to Ranji after a year and a half.
“I had blanked out for 10 seconds during warm-up but the will to do it for my team greatly helped me get over my discomfort.”
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Veteran batter and ex-Royals cricketer Paras Dogra’s record-breaking 144-run knock for Jammu and Kashmir was unfortunately in vain. Deshpande’s sustained pressure with the ball helped Mumbai grab a 61-run first-innings lead, a turning point that ultimately secured their narrow 35-run win. He bagged four wickets in the match, taking his First-Class tally to 104 scalps in 39 outings.
Deshpande made his India debut last year in Zimbabwe, making two appearances on consecutive days with as many wickets.
