Tushar Deshpande gets double delight from BCCI ahead of India's Zimbabwe tour

Indian cricket's rising star, Tushar Deshpande, is climbing the ladder of success one after another, even before starting his international career. The Mumbai and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer has recently earned his maiden call-up to Team India for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour.

Now, it is being said that Deshpande was granted a fast-bowling contract by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) much before his maiden selection to the Indian cricket team for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting on July 6.

BCCI grants fast-bowling contract to rising star Tushar Deshpande

Deshpande's journey to this milestone was the result of his consistent performances for Mumbai and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), respectively, over the years.

His stunning performance and ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs with the ball over the past couple of IPL seasons have caught the attention of India selectors. Notably, Deshpande played a key role in Mumbai's success in the 42nd season of the Ranji Trophy, showcasing his skills with a total of 15 wickets across five matches.

He also delivered a stellar performance in the 2022–23 Ranji Trophy season, where the talented pacer claimed 23 wickets in just six matches, further cementing his reputation as a promising fast bowler in Indian cricket.

Earlier this year, Deshpande's talent was on full display during India A's campaign against England A, proving his ability to perform under pressure at the international level by taking 15 wickets in five matches. He has also had 17 and 21 wickets to his name in the last two IPL seasons with CSK.

"Tushar Deshpande has improved immensely in the last 18 months"

According to the Times of India, a BCCI source revealed: “Yes, Tushar and Mayank Yadav were given their fast-bowling contracts just after an impressive show in the IPL-2024. Tushar has been bowling consistently for Mumbai and CSK for the past couple of seasons and has improved immensely in the last 18 months. This is why he has been picked in India's T20I team for Zimbabwe and has been given a fast-bowling contract.”

Apart from Deshpande, the six pacers also received fast bowling contracts from the BCCI, including Delhi and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Mayank Yadav, Bengal and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) seamer Akash Deep, and another RCB star Vijaykumar Vyshak.

Jammu & Kashmir, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) speedster Umran Malik, Uttar Pradesh and RCB pacer Yash Dayal, and Karnataka pacer Vidwath Kaverappa were also granted a fast-bowling contract by the BCCI.

Notably, the BCCI, earlier this year, announced the introduction of fast bowling contracts for selected players who have either represented India or are on the verge of doing so in the future.

However, these pace bowlers have not been included in the central contracts, but they will receive all support from the BCCI, ensuring that their training and injury management will be overseen by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.