Tushar Deshpande, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer, received a heartwarming welcome from a massive crowd upon his return to Mumbai. The talented bowler played a pivotal role in CSK’s victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final against the Gujarat Titans, helping his team secure the prestigious title.
Following the conclusion of the 16th edition of the IPL, Tushar headed back to his hometown, where he was greeted with overwhelming love and support from fans. Fans swarmed around his car, expressing their joy and appreciation for his outstanding performance throughout the tournament.
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CSK emerged victorious in the final, defeating the Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a thrilling last-ball encounter. This victory marked CSK’s record fifth IPL title, tying them with the Mumbai Indians for the most championships in the league’s history.
Tushar Deshpande got a huge welcome in his return to home-town after winning the IPL. pic.twitter.com/9OJgJVGfvj
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 2, 2023
During the season, Deshpande showcased his bowling prowess, claiming 21 wickets in 16 appearances with an economy rate of 9.92. He emerged as the leading wicket-taker for his team, playing a crucial role in their success. However, in the summit clash against the Titans, Deshpande conceded 56 runs in his four overs without managing to take any breakthroughs.
It is worth noting that Deshpande also found himself in an unceremonious record, conceding the most runs by a bowler in a single IPL season. Throughout his 16 appearances for CSK, the Mumbai-born pacer conceded 564 runs, surpassing Prasidh Krishna’s previous record of 551 runs in the 2022 season.
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Despite this record, Deshpande concluded the campaign as the third-highest wicket-taker among pacers in IPL 2023. Gujarat Titans’ pacer Mohammed Shami secured the Purple Cap, awarded to the leading wicket-taker, with 28 wickets at an economy rate of 8.03 in 17 matches. Deshpande’s teammate Mohit Sharma finished in the second spot with 27 wickets. Tushar Deshpande’s remarkable performance throughout the IPL season and his warm reception by fans in Mumbai exemplify the immense talent and passion for cricket in India.