Rajasthan Royals made a significant addition to their bowling lineup by securing Tushar Deshpande for Rs 6.50 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. The right-arm pacer entered the auction with a base price of Rs 1 crore, and a bidding war ensued between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, his former franchise. Despite a strong interest, CSK decided not to use their Right to Match (RTM) card, allowing Rajasthan to seal the deal.
Tushar Deshpande’s IPL journey
Deshpande’s IPL career began with Delhi Capitals in 2020, where he played five games and took three wickets. After missing the 2021 season, he joined Chennai Super Kings in 2022 but saw limited opportunities, featuring in only two matches. However, IPL 2023 marked a turning point in his career.
Playing 16 matches that season, Deshpande picked up 21 wickets, playing a crucial role in Chennai’s fifth title triumph. His consistent performances earned him a regular spot in the 2024 season, where he claimed 17 wickets in 13 games. Overall, Deshpande has featured in 36 IPL matches, bagging 42 wickets.
National recognition
Deshpande’s performances in the IPL paved the way for his international debut. Earlier this year, he represented India in a T20I against Zimbabwe, adding another milestone to his career.
What Tushar Deshpande brings to Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals have acquired a bowler with proven IPL credentials and the ability to perform under pressure. Known for his ability to bowl in the powerplay and death overs, Deshpande adds depth to the Royals’ pace attack. His experience with Chennai in high-stakes matches will be invaluable as Rajasthan aims for another title.
The Royals’ investment in Deshpande reflects their strategy of building a balanced and formidable squad for IPL 2025. Fans will eagerly await his contributions as Rajasthan targets glory in the upcoming season.
