Tushar Deshpande reveals facing MS Dhoni’s wrath for bowling bouncer to him in nets

Tushar Deshpande, India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pace bowler, shared an inspiring moment with MS Dhoni that had a profound impact on his career. Deshpande recalled a crucial conversation he had with the legendary cricketer during CSK’s preparatory camp for the 2023 season.

MS Dhoni, who is well-known for his exceptional mentorship and leadership, has been a guiding light for young cricketers over the years and will remain at CSK. Notably, the former Indian skipper stepped down as CSK captain before the start of the IPL 2024 earlier this year.

Tushar Deshpande recalls how MS Dhoni's support boosted his confidence

Deshpande revealed that MS Dhoni, known for nurturing young talents, expressed his confidence in his potential to succeed on the international stage during their discussion.

The legendary wicketkeeper emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and focus, advising Tushar Deshpande to remain unperturbed by the crowd and to concentrate solely on his bowling.

MS Dhoni's words were not just encouragement for Tushar Deshpande, who has experienced both highs and lows in his career and found the former CSK skipper’s mentorship valuable.

The reassurance from a cricketing legend like MS Dhoni, who has mentored numerous players and helped them elevate their game, was a significant boost to Deshpande’s confidence. Recalling his former captain’s words, the pacer said that it was an achievement for him to be praised and predicted to have a great career.

'You have everything to succeed': Dhoni's message to Deshpande

Tushar Deshpande was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “[Dhoni told me]: 'You have everything to succeed at international level. But you have to be calm during your run-up. Don't get distracted by the crowd. Just take a deep breath, stay calm, and bowl.' If Mahi tells you that you have everything to be successful at the international level, boss, that itself is an achievement.”

He had a rough start to the IPL 2023 season with a disappointing performance against the Gujarat Titans, where he took 1 wicket for 51 runs in 3.2 overs. Despite his poor spell, the former CSK skipper supported Teshar, encouraging him to continue with his bowling approach in the next match as well.

Tushar Deshpande further noted, “Mahi came to me and said, 'You haven't made any mistakes. You bowled all good balls. It was not your day today. In the next match, repeat the same.”

Tushar Deshpande recalls how MS Dhoni helped him to regain form

The pacer further revealed that Dhoni dedicated his time to work with him during net sessions. Furthermore, Deshpande recalled a particular practice session where he faced Dhoni in a match simulation. During this session, Dhoni hit a six off Deshpande's delivery and then playfully reprimanded him for not bowling a yorker.

Deshpande shared, “I was bowling good yorkers, but suddenly I bowled a bouncer and got hit for a 100-meter six. He asked me, 'Kyun daala bouncer?' [Why did you bowl the bouncer?] I told him I thought he was expecting the yorker. He told me: Don't play cricket in the mind. Yorker is a yorker, and no one can hit you.”

The CSK pacer signed off by saying on Dhoni’s simple advice for him: “He was telling me we keep trying to play ahead of the game instead of staying in the present. The other thing he told me is to focus on my fitness, which is important for fast bowlers.”