Overview

• Deshpande says his long-term goal is to play Test cricket for India, stressing a step-by-step return with a focus on staying fit.
• He underwent major ankle surgery on his landing foot in October 2024, which ruled him out of the entire 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season.
• The seamer returned in IPL 2025 with Rajasthan Royals and finished with nine wickets in 10 matches during a mixed campaign.
• He highlighted a confidence-boosting penultimate over against MS Dhoni and Shivam Dube, conceding just six runs on a flat Delhi pitch.
• As part of workload building, he bowled 18 overs in a Buchi Babu match in Chennai heat and now aims to feature in the Duleep Trophy for his red-ball push.