Duleep Trophy 2023: Tushar Deshpande replaces Chetan Sakariya in West Zone squad

Mumbai’s Deshpande played six matches in the Ranji Trophy 2022-23 season and picked 23 wickets at an average of 25.69. Saurashtra’s Sakariya featured in nine matches and picked 27 wickets at an average of 25.37.

Tushar Deshpande had a solid outing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2023. The 28-year-old pacer picked 21 wickets – most by anyone from CSK and joint fourth-highest overall in the tournament.

Following CSK’s record-extending fifth title win, Deshpande had credited Dhoni for his success and explained how he instilled confidence in him.

“You know you have someone who will guide and show the light when things are not going in our favour. He is a selfless guy and keeps things simple. He doesn’t complicate things and will be with you in your bad times. Like a soldier, I will just follow whatever he says. I know he can never take me on a wrong path,” Deshpande told The Indian Express.

“Dhoni plans are very clear that this is what you need to do and then one has to execute. He will give freedom as well and when needed he will put a word. He told me that I have everything to play at the top, just be calm, take a deep breath.

“Once I didn’t bowl well, he (MS Dhoni) came and said that with the new impact rule, 200 plus score is the new normal and he told me don’t worry about my place. He gave the surety which is what (young) players want,” Deshpande added.

He has played a total of 29 first-class matches and picked 80 wickets at an average of 27.77.

West Zone squad for Duleep Trophy 2023: Priyank Panchal (Captain), Cheteshwar Pujara, Suryakumar Yadav, Harvik Desai (wicketkeeper), Prithvi Shaw, Het Patel (wicketkeeper), Sarfaraz Khan, Arpit Vasavada, Atit Seth, Shams Mulani, Yuvraj Dodiya, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Tushar Deshpande, Chintan Gaja, Arzan Nagwaswalla.