In a significant boost to his burgeoning cricket career, Tushar Deshpande, the Mumbai, and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer, has been awarded the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) fast bowling contract. This recognition comes on the heels of his maiden call-up to the Indian team for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe in July.
A source within the BCCI confirmed the news, stating, “Yes, Tushar and Mayank Yadav were given their fast bowling contracts just after an impressive show in IPL-2024. Tushar has been bowling consistently for Mumbai and CSK for the past couple of seasons and has improved immensely in the last 18 months. This is why he has been picked in India‘s T20I team for Zimbabwe and has been given a fast bowling contract.”
Deshpande’s recent performances have been noteworthy. He played a crucial role for India A against England A earlier this year, taking 15 wickets in five matches at an average of 25.86. His contributions were instrumental in Mumbai’s 42nd Ranji Trophy triumph in the 2023-24 season, where he took 23 wickets in six matches at an average of 25.69 during the 2022-23 season.
In addition to Deshpande, other fast bowlers who have received BCCI contracts include Mayank Yadav (Delhi & LSG), Akash Deep (Bengal, RCB), Vijaykumar Vyshak (RCB), Umran Malik (Jammu & Kashmir, SRH), Yash Dayal (Uttar Pradesh, RCB), and Vidwath Kaverappa (Karnataka).
The BCCI had announced the introduction of these fast bowling contracts earlier this year on February 28. These contracts aim to provide dedicated support to promising pace bowlers who have either represented India or are on the verge of doing so. While these bowlers do not have central contracts, they will benefit from the BCCI’s support, including training and injury management overseen by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
This initiative underscores the BCCI’s commitment to nurturing fast-bowling talent in India, ensuring that the country’s pace arsenal remains robust and competitive on the international stage.
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