The Mumbai Ranji team has suffered a heavy blow ahead of the next round of Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Fast bowler Tushar Deshpande, according to reports in the Times of India, has been picked for the team’s next match against J&K as well as the league stage of the prestigious tournament.
Reports claimed that Tushar Deshpande is still recovering from the ankle surgery he underwent. His recovery is expected to take some time and the pacer is understood to be fit to play in the semi-finals of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. if Mumbai qualifies.
Tushar Deshpande missed the first round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy
Deshpande missed the first round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy along with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well as the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy. He was expected to return to action and could rejoin Mumbai in the second half of the Ranji Trophy season.
But that won’t be the case, as he is set to miss the next round as well due to a late recovery. This could be a huge blow for Mumbai in the tournament, especially considering the way he performed for the team in the last Ranji Trophy season.
Also..Mumbai pacer Tushar Deshpande’s recovery from injury will take time..so he will miss the Ranji match on 23 Jan vs J & K at BKC..and the entire league stage of Ranji Trophy..he will only be able to play in Ranji T if Mumbai reach the semi-finals! #RanjiTrophy https://t.co/wrM8xyZflA
— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) January 14, 2025
In the last edition of the Ranji Trophy, Tushar Deshpande played a key role in Mumbai’s campaign. The right-hander took 15 wickets in five matches to help the Ajinkya Rahane-led side win their record 43rd title in the history of the tournament.
Conditionally, he should be back in action in mid-February, in time for the Ranji Trophy semi-finals – Source on Tushar Deshpande
A source close to the development claims that Tushar Deshpande should be ready by mid-February. He emphasized that the fast bowler will be available if Mumbai reach the semi-finals. Speaking to the Times of India, he said:
“Tušar is recovering in NCA u Bengaluru. He will need a little more time to recover. Conditionally, he is scheduled to return to action in mid-February, in time for the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy, Deshpande will be available from then.”
Sarfaraz Khan misses match against J&K, Yashasvi Jaiswal to play, Rohit Sharma availability speculation
For the upcoming match against Jammu and Kashmir, Mumbai will be without their two key players Tushar Deshpande and Sarfaraz Khan. The batsman has a minor rib fracture and will miss the match to be played from January 23 at the BKC Mumbai Cricket Association ground.
But what will be a major boost for Mumbai, Indian cricket team opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has also confirmed his availability for the game against Jammu and Kashmir. The batsman will soon join the team after a strong Australian tour.
On the other hand, India captain Rohit Sharma also trained with the Mumbai Ranji team. It is speculated that he could also play the game. There is no clarity yet, but on Tuesday he batted for about 45 minutes in the match simulation.
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