'Mahi bhai has asked you to just act to go in' - Tushar Deshpande shares unheard story of MS Dhoni from IPL 2024

Published - 21 Oct 2025, 19:12 IST | Updated - 21 Oct 2025, 19:43 IST

Team India pacer Tushar Deshpande recently shared an unheard incident about legendary Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni from the IPL 2024 season. Deshpande shared about a prank pulled by Dhoni during a game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk.

Recalling the incident, the pacer revealed how Dhoni orchestrated an act to tease the Chennai crowd, who were eagerly waiting to see the legend bat.

"I remember when I was at CSK, there was a match against KKR at Chepauk. The crowd wanted Mahi bhai to bat. I was just sitting there. He told me to go tell Jaddu to just act and not go in. I told Jaddu bhai that Mahi bhai has asked you to just act to go in and he'll come from behind. I saw the whole scene. When Jaddu got up the crowd was silent but suddenly when Mahi bhai entered the stadium erupted. It was kind of funny, kind of goosebumps moment," he said on Ajinkya Rahane's YouTube channel.

Deshpande also remembered another special memory from IPL 2023, during a clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Chepauk. The fast bowler admitted he was nervous when Dhoni asked him to get ready to bowl.

"I remember there was a match against LSG in Chennai. Mahi Bhai said me to be ready as I could bowl anytime. When I took my bowling mark I felt a little different because the crowd was so loud. I felt a little uneasy and under pressure. I bowled four wides and a no ball. It was because of the anxiety and external factors. Then I told myself to face these factors positively and let it go. I had a dream that I wanted a screenshot where it would be like 'Bowled Tushar Deshpande caught MS Dhoni'. And in that match itself it was fulfilled," he added.

Tushar Deshpande plays match battling severe bronchitis

Meanwhile, the youngster's recent heroics in the Ranji Trophy have drawn immense praise. Playing his first red-ball game in 18 months, he battled a severe bronchitis attack during Mumbai’s clash against Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar.

At high altitude, Deshpande was rushed to a local hospital after struggling to breathe. While doctors were unsure if he could continue, the pacer insisted on playing. Deshpande bowled 35 overs in testing conditions, emerging as Mumbai’s most effective bowler. His efforts helped Mumbai secure a crucial 61-run first-innings lead and eventually a 35-run win.