Tushar Deshpande battles severe bronchitis attack in heroic Ranji Trophy comeback for Mumbai

Mumbai's thrilling 35-run victory over Jammu & Kashmir at Srinagar in their opening Ranji Trophy match of the 2025-26 season has a remarkable, inspirational story of how a player overcame odds to excel in the red-ball format. In a show of sheer grit and determination, Mumbai pacer Tushar Deshpande overcame a severe bronchitis attack to lead his side to a memorable Ranji Trophy win over Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar. The match marked a triumphant return to red-ball cricket for Deshpande after being out for 18 months due to a major ankle injury that required surgery.

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Playing at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar, a venue known for its high altitude and low oxygen levels, Deshpande was warming up on Day One when he suddenly experienced acute breathlessness.

The 30-year-old was immediately rushed from the ground to a local hospital, where he received emergency treatment for a bronchitis flare-up.Deshpande was struggling to breathe and the doctors were “unsure” of his participation further in the game. However, the Rajasthan Royals fast bowler, who hails from Kalyan, was determined to play on.After Mumbai posted 386 in the first innings, Deshpande, still recovering from the severe bronchitis attack, insisted on bowling on Day Two.

He went on to deliver 35 overs of intense fast bowling and emerged as Mumbai's most effective bowler, taking three for 57 in 19 overs, while showcasing not just skill but also remarkable endurance and commitment.“This was a crucial game for us and for me personally too. Jammu and Kashmir had defeated us last season and we wanted to start this campaign on the right note. It was also big for me because I was returning to Ranji after a year and a half.

I blanked out for 10 seconds during warm-up but the will to do it for my team greatly helped me get over my discomfort,” ,” Deshpande told rajasthanroyals.com after the match. In the second innings, Deshpande took one for 56 in 15 overs.Despite a brilliant 144-run knock from veteran batter and Jammu & Kashmir captain Paras Dogra, the hosts fell just short in a match of swinging fortunes. Deshpande’s persistent spells helped Mumbai secure a vital 61-run first-innings lead, which ultimately proved decisive in their close win.

The victory was an important one for Mumbai, but it also stood as a testament to Deshpande’s character and reflected his determination to success in the red-ball format. Deshpande played a sole T20I for India against Zimbabwe at Harare in July last year.Following the match, the Mumbai team returned home to celebrate Diwali. They will now prepare to face Chhattisgarh in their next Ranji Trophy fixture, starting October 25 at the Wankhede Stadium.