Mumbai cricket team bowler Tushar Deshpande put team above body as he fought back acute breathlessness to take 4 wickets in the Ranji Trophy 2025/26 opener. The pacer, who returned to the domestic setup after missing out the entire edition last year, suffered a scare just before the start of the game at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar. However, that did not stop him from returning to the field and being a part of the Mumbai side which clinched a 35-run win against J&K.
Deshpande ‘blanked out’
As per Rajasthan Royals’ website, Deshpande revealed that he had blanked out for 10 seconds during warm-up on the opening day of MUM vs J&K. He was rushed to a local hospital after suffering from acute breathlessness where he received emergency treatment for a bronchitis flare-up. Despite doctors being unsure of his participation in the match, Tushar was hell-bent on returning to the field and being a part of the side.
“This was a crucial game for us and for me personally too. Jammu and Kashmir had defeated us last season and we wanted to start this campaign on the right note. It was also big for me because I was returning to Ranji after a year and a half. I had blanked out for 10 seconds during warm-up but the will to do it for my team greatly helped me get over my discomfort,” Deshpande said.
Tushar bowled 19 overs in the 1st innings and finished with figures of 3/57. He followed it up with another 3-wicket haul in the 2nd innings, ending the match with figures of 4/113. For a bowler who suffered breathlessness at the start of the game, Deshpande stood out because of his dedication as he bowled 34 overs throughout the game.
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