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Tushar Deshpande leads Mumbai to Ranji Trophy victory over Jammu and Kashmir after recovering from severe bronchitis at Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium.
Tushar Deshpande suffered a bronchitis issue during the game (Picture credit: AFP)
Star India pacer Tushar Deshpande recovered on-field from a severe bronchitis attack, only to come back and play a major role in Mumbai’s win against Jammu and Kashmir in the opening round game of the Ranji Trophy, according to a report by the Rajasthan Royals.
The game marked Deshpande’s winning return to red-ball cricket after 18 months. At the high-altitude Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar, known for its thin air, he struggled with acute breathlessness while warming up on the opening day.
Deshpande was rushed to a local hospital for emergency treatment after a bronchitis flare-up left him struggling to breathe. Doctors were uncertain if he would be able to continue in the game.
Undeterred, Deshpande was determined to take the field. After Mumbai posted a commanding 386 in their first innings, he insisted on bowling on Day 2, even while still recovering.
Deshpande bowled 35 gruelling overs, emerging as Mumbai’s most effective bowler and showing brilliant skill, endurance and determination.
“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,” Deshpande said while speaking to Rajasthan Royals.
“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 added.
Despite a stellar 144 from veteran batter and former Royals cricketer Paras Dogra, Jammu and Kashmir fell short. Deshpande’s relentless spells helped Mumbai bag a crucial 61-run first-innings lead, paving the way for a 35-run win against J&K.
Mumbai’s victory over J&K was significant, but it highlighted Deshpande’s resilience as well. Overcoming injury setbacks, his performance reaffirmed his place in the longer format.
October 18, 2025, 23:46 IST
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