Tushar Deshpande: "I have never given such derogatory statements and will never give them"

The IND T20 League-based Franchise Chennai’s fast bowler Tushar Deshpande found himself embroiled in a fake quote controversy following the yellow army's victory over Mumbai in the 12th Match of the Indian T20 league on Saturday. A viral quote attributed to 27-year-old seamer Deshpande claimed that he had said taking the wicket of MUM skipper on 21 off 13 balls Rohit Sharma was an easy feat, causing outrage among Mumbai’s fans who perceived it as disrespectful to 6-time league winner. Tushar Deshpande was also criticised by cricket fans on social media for this.

A statement about this had come to the fore on social media where Tushar was quoted saying it is very easy to take Rohit Sharma's wicket. He is not like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. Tushar has called this statement completely fake.

In one of his Insta stories on Sunday night, he took screenshots of such fake and raging news which is creating chaos on social media and he backfired on all those who have been spreading fake news under his name. Tushar also wrote in his clarification, “I have full respect for all the legendary players mentioned above. I have never given such derogatory statements and will never give them. Stop spreading such fake news.”

Right-arm medium-fast bowler Despande had bowled brilliantly against Mumbai in the last encounter. He took the precious wicket of Rohit Sharma, who was batting explosively and sent him back to the pavilion and then dismissed Tim David, who was looking dangerous, to prevent the Mumbai team from scoring big. Tushar took two wickets for 31 runs in three overs. 

5-time league winners Mumbai managed to score only 157 runs on the board in reply 4-time league winners Chennai won the match comfortably by 7 wickets with the superb knock of Ajinkya Rahane’s 61 off 27 balls that included 7 fours and 3 sixes in his blistering knock and calculated innings from Gaikwad's 40 off 36 ensuring Chennai to cross the line easily.

Chennai’s skipper MS Dhoni praised Deshpande after the victory over the arch-rival Mumbai. 41-year-old skipper said, "We believe in him, and when you're new you are under pressure but playing in the IPL for a few years brings different pressure [on Deshpande]. He had a great domestic season, he is improving. Deshpande has many potentials but can improve by not bowling those no-balls and being more consistent."