IPL 2024: How CSK coach inspired 'leader' Tushar Deshpande ahead of PBKS clash

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CSK fast bowler Tushar Deshpande revealed how coach Stephen Fleming asked him to lead his side's bowling attack in their high-value clash against PBKS on May 5 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. In the absence of their more high-performing pacers like Mustafizur Rahman and Matheesha Pathirana, it was Deshpande who played a key role in CSK's emphatic win over PBKS at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala by 28 runs. Having only set a target of 168 after batting first, Deshpande's 2/35 spell, dismissing Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw in quick succession, put early pressure on the PBKS batting in their run chase.

With Mustafizur having left for Bangladesh's ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe and Pathirana's having to fly back to Sri Lanka to treat his injury, CSK were left without their highly successful pace duo before heading to Dharamsala. With Mustafizur being the franchise's leading wicket-taker with his 14 wickets and Pathirana following just next with his 13, Deshpande truly filled up the big roles in CSK against an in-form PBKS batting unit. The 28-year-old's bowling brilliance, alongside equally impressive shifts from Ravindra Jadeja and Simarjeet Singh helped CSK in their play-offs race, pushing them up to 3rd place in the points table.

IPL 2024, PBKS vs CSK: Highlights

In a video uploaded by CSK's official social media handle, Deshpande shared how coach Fleming's words motivated him ahead of his heroic bowling against PBKS.

"Before the game, Flem came up to me and said, 'all the preparations that you have done for the last three years, it's your day today. Lead us well and lead the bowling attack today,' So that was a great confidence booster for me." Desphpande said.

"I always think about the tough conditions, and I've said it before that I always walk on to the field to make a difference for my team. Even today was such a day, 160 odd runs on the board, which I feel is less the way the tournament is going. I thought this was the game that, individually and as a team, we need to win, because winning such games sets a good character in individual. I always give my best, and in low scoring games, I always put my best foot forward, and it's been going well till now," Deshpande added.

IPL 2024 Full Coverage | IPL 2024 Points Table and Standings | 2024 IPL Full Schedule

With the win, CSK broke off a 5-match losing streak against PBKS, and have also gained some crucial winning momentum ahead of their highly-anticipated upcoming fixture against GT on May 10.

Published By:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published On:

May 6, 2024