Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu stated that he wasn’t surprised with Tushar Deshpande’s last-over heroics in the Gujarat Titans (GT) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) IPL 2026 match. Rayudu pointed out that Deshpande has the experience of doing the same for CSK and added that he had worked on his death-overs skills with Dwayne Bravo.

RR beat GT by six runs in match number nine of IPL 2026 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday, April 4. Defending a target of 211, Rajasthan held Gujarat to 204-8. With RR needing 11 off the last over, Deshpande conceded only four runs, nailing his yorkers in brilliant fashion.

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Rayudu reflected on how Deshpande’s stint with CSK helped him grow as a bowler. He commented:

“He has done that for CSK [bowling at the death] as well in the past and he worked a lot with Bravo, so he has confidence in his yorkers. He used to bowl the tough overs for CSK back then and that shows that he has the mettle in him to really handle pressure.”

Deshpande (30) represented CSK for three consecutive seasons between 2022 and 2024. In 31 matches, he claimed 39 wickets at an average of 26.94 and an economy rate of 9.39, with a best of 4-27. The right-arm pacer claimed 21 wickets in 16 matches in 2023 and 17 wickets in 13 matches in 2024.

“He was exceptional” – Aaron Finch on Tushar Deshpande’s last over against GT

Former Australian captain Aaron Finch also praised Deshpande for holding his nerve brilliantly under pressure. He pointed out that the pacer hadn’t bowled for a while, but still managed to find his rhythm when he needed it the most. Finch said:

“He was exceptional with his composure in that last over. He hadn’t bowled for quite a while either. I was sitting here with Rayudu saying ‘he has to bowl a slower bouncer to one of these guys, especially tailenders’. And Rayudu said, ‘no, he bowlers yorkers at the death and that is it’.”

Chasing 211, GT were well placed for victory, needing 15 off 12 balls, with three wickets in hand. However, Jofra Archer bowled a superb penultimate over, conceding only four runs. Deshpande followed it up with another four-run over, while also dismissing Rashid Khan (24 off 16) off the penultimate delivery.