‘Aiming for that…’: Sidelined Indian star speaks about his willingness to represent India in Tests

Tushar Deshpande wreaks havoc with the ball and bowls really well. Following a couple of spectacular outings for Chennai Super Kings in 2023 and 24, the seamer was in the Indian side during their white-ball assignments. However, in October 2024, Tushar’s ankle got injured, which left a severe pressure on his body since he had to go through surgery- causing him to miss the Ranji season as well.

Even though Tushar Deshpande returned for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for the Rajasthan Royals (RR), he had a mixed season. However, the pacer is hoping to make a strong comeback for the Duleep Trophy, and even thinks about playing for India in red-ball cricket.

“I have put in a lot of effort, actually. It was a major ankle surgery and that being my landing foot, it was necessary that I get operated at that moment of time because coming ahead are a lot of international tours as well. I’m aiming for that and I’m feeling good now for the start of the season,” Deshpande recalled speaking to The ESPNCricinfo.

“The aspiration is always to play Test cricket for India, but I’m taking one match at a time, one day at a point, and just following a good process and keeping myself fit because I’ve lost considerable time off the game last year. So just keeping myself fit so I can again hit the hard yards for Mumbai,” he said.

Speaking about Tushar Deshpande and his international career, he has played only 2 T20 international matches for the nation- where he took as many wickets as well. He bowled only 36 balls and gave out only 55 runs while averaging at 27.50.