Ever since making his Ranji Trophy debut in 2016-17, thanks to his raw pace, Tushar Deshpande has been utilised as a strike bowler by the Mumbai team management across formats. Riding on impressive performances across formats over the last twelve months, the pacer is hoping that the Ranji final and the Indian Premier League that will follow will help him realise his dream of donning the India jersey.
“These three months, especially starting with the Ranji quarterfinal, are extremely important for me. For the last 18-24 months – irrespective of the format – the manner in which I have been performing, consistently clocking 140-plus – I want to play these next three phases at full intensity,” Deshpande told The Hindu ahead of the Ranji final between Mumbai and Vidarbha, starting at the Wankhede Stadium from Sunday.
“I think I am ready for an India call-up. If you look at the overall season, be it one-dayers (Vijay Hazare Trophy) or Ranji, I have been delivering with crucial wickets – and useful runs too,” Deshpande said, referring to his maiden hundred and a 26 in the quarterfinal and semifinal, respectively.
