Mumbai fast bowler Tushar Deshpande etched his name into the record books by securing a remarkable hat-trick in the Ranji Trophy match against Chandigarh. The medium pacer struck with three consecutive deliveries on the second day of the ongoing encounter, writing his name into the history books as only the sixth bowler from Mumbai to achieve this feat in the prestigious tournament. With Chandigarh forced to follow-on, the match appeared firmly on course to conclude by the third day as Mumbai dominated proceedings.
Chandigarh crumbles in the first innings
Replying to Mumbai's formidable total of 429 runs, the Chandigarh batting lineup collapsed completely and was bundled out for just 75 runs. During this devastating spell, Tushar Deshpande also completed a five-wicket haul in a first-class innings for the sixth time in his career. After being asked to follow-on by Mumbai, Chandigarh endured a disastrous start to their second innings, losing one wicket without scoring a single run by the time stumps were drawn for the day.
Mumbai's exclusive list of Ranji hat-trick takers
Before Tushar Deshpande entered the record books, only five other bowlers had taken a Ranji Trophy hat-trick for Mumbai. The elite group features Jahangir Khot against Baroda in 1943–44, Umesh Kulkarni against Gujarat in 1963–64, Abdul Ismail against Saurashtra in 1973–74, Royston Dias against Bihar in 2023–24, and Shardul Thakur against Meghalaya in 2024–25.
How the memorable hat-trick unfolded
Tushar Deshpande struck during his 5.3-over spell by first dismissing Arjun Azad, who attempted a pull shot but managed only a top edge that safely landed in the hands of Sylvester Dsouza at fine leg. Off the very next delivery, Shivam Bhambri was bowled via an inside edge that rattled his stumps, before completing the hat-trick by getting Deependra Kush caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first slip.
What makes Tushar Deshpande a lethal domestic bowler
A review of domestic cricket statistics over recent seasons highlights Tushar Deshpande as one of the standout fast bowlers in the circuit, rapidly establishing his reputation among the finest pacers in domestic history. His bowling is characterized by a brisk run-up, relentless accuracy on challenging lengths, and an ability to create wicket-taking opportunities while also contributing useful runs with the bat. He was groomed during his formative IPL years under MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings, and currently represents Rajasthan Royals in the tournament.
