The star pacer of Chennai Super Kings Tushar Deshpande scored a brilliant hundred for Mumbai against Baroda in the Ranji Trophy 2024 quarterfinal. He smashed this hundred while batting at No. 11, and has dedicated his innings to his father. The fast bowler mentioned that his father had always believed in his potential to become a very good all-rounder.
Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande made history on Tuesday, February 27, at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy BKC in Mumbai. They became the first No.10-11 pair to score hundreds in a Ranji Trophy match. They stitched a remarkable partnership of 232 runs for the last wicket, contributing to Mumbai’s total of 569 runs in their second innings against Baroda.
While having a conversation with PTI, Deshpande said, “Feeling very satisfied with the knock because I was batting at No 11 and I was able to do this. I always wanted to prove that I can bat, my father always believed that I can be a very good all-rounder and this innings is for him.”
He further added, “I can hit big, I have played a lot of rubber-ball cricket and I used to hit big from the U-14 days.”
Kotian remained unbeaten with a score of 120 from 129 balls, while Deshpande returned to the pavilion after scoring 123 off 129 deliveries.
Deshpande said that he has no regret of getting out. He added, “The only thing that I had in mind was to play as per the merit of the ball. The ball before (his dismissal) I hit for a six and (on) the ball that I got out, it did not go my way but no grudges that we could not complete the record… another day I might get an opportunity and I will try to do that.”
