Bhubaneswar: In one of the most inspiring stories of the new Ranji Trophy season, Mumbai pacer Tushar Deshpande battled a severe breathing issue and still led his team to a memorable win against Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar.
Deshpande suffered a major health scare on the opening day of the match at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium, when he suddenly “blanked out for ten seconds” during warm-up. Struggling for breath in the high-altitude conditions, he was later diagnosed with a bronchitis attack, which left the team physio and doctors concerned.
Despite the warning, Deshpande refused to sit out. “I told myself that I’ve waited too long to play this format again. The will to do it for my team greatly helped me get over my discomfort,” he said after the match.
What followed was a show of sheer determination. Playing in his first First-Class match after 18 months, the right-arm pacer bowled tirelessly through the game, delivering around 35 overs and providing crucial breakthroughs that set up Mumbai’s 35-run victory.
The thin air of Srinagar only made things tougher, but Deshpande stood tall, showing both mental and physical resilience. His effort inspired the dressing room and helped Mumbai begin their 2025–26 Ranji Trophy campaign on a winning note.
For a player who once feared he wouldn’t be able to continue that morning, it was a performance that redefined courage. Deshpande’s story in Srinagar wasn’t just about wickets—it was about heart, endurance, and the spirit of a true Mumbai
cricketer.
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