CSK bowler smashes century, involved in record last-wicket stand in Ranji Trophy
A Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer is currently looking in fantastic form ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). Interestingly, it is not his bowling but his batting that has turned heads and grabbed eyeballs.
CSK's Tushar Deshpande became only the second No.10-11 batter along with his partner Tanush Kotian in First-Class history to record centuries in the same innings. The pair achieved the feat during Mumbai's ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024 quarterfinal match against Baroda.
Kotian and Deshpande, the last pair at the crease for Mumbai in their second innings when the scoreboard read 337 for nine overnight, combined forces to create a resilient partnership. This partnership proved crucial in Mumbai's efforts to dominate Baroda as they posted a towering second innings total of 569 after securing a 36-run lead in the first innings.
Kotian reached his century first in 115 balls while Deshpande followed suit in 112 deliveries. Both batters also secured their maiden First-Class hundreds.
The Mumbai pair recorded the feat after Chandu Sarwate and Shute Banerjee hit First-Class centuries as No. 10 and No. 11 in the same innings back in 1946 in a Surrey vs Indians match at the Oval.
Deshpande was a key cog in CSK's title-winning campaign in IPL 2023
CSK will be extremely happy to see Deshpande deliver such outstanding performances. The Mumbai lad was picked up by the five-time IPL winners ahead of the IPL 2022 season in the mega-auction.
But it was in the last season (IPL 2023) that Deshpande was a revelation as he finished as the top wicket-taker (21) for the franchise. He was a key cog in the CSK setup and played a crucial role in helping CSK lift the title for a record five times and level rivals Mumbai Indians as the most successful IPL side.
Now with Deshpande's display of his batting prowess, it will definitely come in handy for CSK in making a late flourish while setting scores and can count on his hitting abilities while chasing totals.
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