As teenagers spending endless hours at the nets of Shivaji Park Gymkhana in the early 2010s, Shreyas Iyer and Tushar Deshpande had a simple wager to make practice sessions more competitive.If Deshpande’s pace bowling got the better of Shreyas’ stylish strokeplay, the batter would buy him an egg sandwich at the gymkhana canteen. If Shreyas dominated, Deshpande paid the bill.More than a decade later, the stakes have changed.“Of course the friendly matches will continue in the nets but for a different prize, the prize will be the World Cup (in 2028),” Deshpande said on Saturday.Few players have perhaps witnessed Shreyas’ journey from closer quarters than Deshpande.Having played with him through Mumbai cricket, shared dressing rooms and also played under him, Deshpande believes Shreyas’ rise from the maidans of Shivaji Park to becoming India’s T20I captain hardly surprises those who know him closely.“I think everyone knows he’s a brilliant player, brilliant cricketer and a great leader,” Deshpande said. “He has shown that for Punjab Kings as well. Winning the IPL for KKR, taking Delhi Capitals to the final when I was a part of Delhi Capitals. It’s been a great journey for him and I wish him well.”While Shreyas’ appointment dominated conversations, Deshpande himself continues searching for consistency in opportunities. Despite enjoying an impressive start to his maiden season with Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026, the Mumbai pacer featured in only six matches.After missing the previous edition of T20 Mumbai due to his Indian commitments, Deshpande as Maratha Royals’ icon player has ensured his all-round abilities remain impossible to ignore.“Personally it was disappointing to get only six games even though I bowled a superb last over under pressure in the first game, but it all boils down to the team balance and the team’s requirements,” Deshpande said.“Everyone in Mumbai knows what I can do with the bat and I am glad I am able to express myself with the ball and the bat and help my team over here.” Published - June 07, 2026 08:29 pm IST