Rajasthan Royals pacer Tushar Deshpande lit up the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur with an early breakthrough against Punjab Kings in Match 59 of IPL 2025 on Sunday, May 18. Despite Rajasthan being eliminated from the playoff race, Deshpande’s energy remained intact as he removed Punjab’s opener Priyansh Arya and celebrated with a sharp military-style salute, drawing loud cheers from the home crowd.
Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bat first, confident in the pitch and his side’s batting firepower. Fazalhaq Farooqi opened the bowling but was slightly expensive, conceding 11 runs. In the very next over, Deshpande struck with precision.
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On the fifth delivery, Arya attempted a cover drive but mistimed it, offering a low chance to Shimron Hetmyer, who completed a fine diving catch to his right. Arya departed after scoring 9 off 7 balls, and Deshpande marked the dismissal with a salute – a gesture that resonated with the Jaipur crowd.
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At the toss, Iyer highlighted the team’s intent: “The wicket looks fantastic. Batting is our strength, and we want to capitalize.” He also paid tribute to India’s armed forces. For Rajasthan, skipper Sanju Samson said he was fully fit and would bat lower to allow in-form Suryavanshi to stay in his groove.
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“I respect where he is batting,” Samson remarked, confirming that he replaces Nitish Rana, while Maphaka comes in for Jofra Archer. Even though playoff hopes are gone, the Royals are still playing with pride and purpose – and Deshpande’s fiery start set the tone.
