Mon Dec 23 18:27:30 UTC 2024: ## India Eye Tushar Deshpande as Ashwin’s Replacement for Melbourne Test
**Melbourne, Australia:** With the fourth Border-Gavaskar Test against Australia looming in Melbourne (starting December 26th), India is reportedly considering a significant squad change. Following Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement, Mumbai all-rounder Tushar Deshpande is being touted as a potential replacement.
While no official announcement has been made by the BCCI, Sportstar reports suggest Deshpande is a strong contender and may be flown to Melbourne. The 26-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder boasts an impressive domestic record. He has taken over 100 first-class wickets and also scored a century in the format, alongside a strong List A record.
Deshpande’s first-class statistics are compelling: in 33 matches, he’s claimed 101 wickets, with a best of 5 for 58. His batting contributions are equally notable, with 1525 runs in 47 innings, including two centuries and 13 half-centuries, with a highest score of 120*. He has also taken 20 wickets in 20 List A matches.
The current series is tied at 1-1, following India’s dominant win in the first Test, Australia’s victory in the second, and a draw in the third. The remaining matches will be played in Melbourne (December 26th) and Ahmedabad (January 3rd). Deshpande’s inclusion would add another layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated series.
First Piper 