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'It Is Itself An Achievement' - Deshpande Talks About How MS Dhoni's Words Gave Him Confidence 

MS Dhoni and Tushar Deshpande (X)MS Dhoni and Tushar Deshpande (X)

In the latest interview, Chennai Super Kings seamer Tushar Deshpande has credited his impressive rise in the IPL 2023 to motivational advice from former captain MS Dhoni. 

Despite initial struggles, Deshpande played a crucial role in CSK's fifth title victory, especially amidst a pace bowling injury crisis that saw key players like Ben Stokes and Deepak Chahar sidelined. The young bowler led the attack and scalped 21 wickets in 16 matches during the season. 

MS Dhoni's Golden Advice For Deshpande

Dhoni's encouragement particularly his advice to remain calm and focused, helped him to navigate the pressure of high-stakes matches.

"You have everything to succeed at international level. But you have to be calm during your run-up. Don't get distracted by the crowd. Just take a deep breath, stay calm and bowl.' If Mahi tells you that you have everything to be successful at international level, boss, that itself is an achievement," Deshpande told ESPNcricinfo.

Further guidance from MS Dhoni emphasised sticking to one's strengths. Deshpande recounted a key moment when he advised against overthinking tactics and emphasised the importance of delivering effective yorkers rather than experimenting.

"I was bowling good yorkers, but suddenly I bowled a bouncer and got hit for a 100-metre six. He asked me, 'Kyun daala bouncer?' [Why did you bowl the bouncer?] I told him I thought he was expecting the yorker. He told me, 'Don't play cricket in the mind. Yorker is a yorker and no one can hit you,' " Deshpande noted.

Dhoni's Words Inspire Deshpande's To Maintain His Fitness

The veteran wicket-keeper also told the pacer to focus on his fitness and work hard to maintain his form which will not just help him to excel on the ground but also extend his career.

"He was telling me we keep trying to play ahead of the game instead of staying in the present. The other thing he told me is to focus on my fitness, which is important for fast bowlers," he concluded.

Deshpande finished the 2023 IPL season with an impressive tally. After a great IPL season, Deshpande made his national debut for India in July 2024 during the tour of Zimbabwe.