IPL 2023: Tushar Deshpande becomes First Impact Player in IPL history

The term ‘Impact Player’ was one of the most discussed points ahead of the IPL 2023 as it is the latest addition to the cash-rich league. CSK pacer Tushar Deshpande carved his name in IPL history as he became the First Impact Player to be used by any franchise as he replaced CSK batter Ambati Rayudu in the playing XI.

As per the Impact Player rule, teams are allowed to nominate five players anyone of whom can substitute one of the players from the original playing XI. Depending on the game situation, teams can ponder and decide the most suitable option from the five players available.

Eventually, MS Dhoni and CSK became the first captain and first-team respectively to use the impact player. On the other hand, Gujarat Titans named Sai Sudharsan as their Impact Player. The left-handed batter replaced the injured Kane Williamson in the playing XI.

Ambati Rayudu scored 12 runs off 12 balls and didn’t come to the field for Chennai Super Kings as Tushar Deshpande’s name was shown on the big screen as the Impact Player.

First Impact Player Tushar Deshpande grabs one wicket for CSK

Tushar Deshpande came in to bowl the second over of the Gujarat Titans innings. While he looked pretty impressive with his skiddy pace, he went on to leak 14 runs in just his first over which allowed the Gujarat Titans’ batters to get the kind of momentum they were looking for after a brilliant first over by Deepak Chahar.

First Impact Player Tushar Deshpande remained an expensive bet for the CSK team as he gave 51 runs in his 3.2 overs. However, the Mumbai-based pacer also took one wicket as he dismissed Gujarat Titans’ opener, Shubman Gill.

Earlier, Chennai Super Kings were called in to bat after losing the toss. They put on a competitive total of 178 runs against the Gujarat Titans. CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad looked in sublime form as he scored a stellar 50-ball 92 hitting 4 boundaries and 9 maximums.

Mohammad Shami, Rashid Khan, and Alzarri Joseph grabbed a couple of wickets each. The Gujarat Titans bowlers made sure that CSK couldn’t get close to the 200-mark despite a brilliant knock by Ruturaj Gaikwad.