IPL 2020 | Was looking forward to interacting with Rabada, Ishant and Ponting, reveals Tushar Deshpande

After failing to attract a bidder in the auction for the 2019 IPL, despite being the highest wicket-taker in Mumbai's Championship run of Vijay Hazare Trophy, Tushar Deshpande finally fulfilled his dream of being picked in the competition when Delhi got him for his base price. However, this year's edition is turning out to be a cursed one, with the league all but cancelled after a 21-day lock-down imposed by the central government on Tuesday.

While that will have a negative impact on the country as well as the board's finance, there was a far bigger loss than money for Deshpande, whose sneering pace made many stand up and take notice. He, now, might not ply his trade this season.

“It (would) help improve my execution as there is a huge difference between first-class and IPL. I have never played before packed stadiums, so was looking forward to it," Deshpande was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

The Delhi Capitals franchise has an enviable pace battery with the likes of Ishant Sharma, Avesh Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Keemo Paul, Mohit Sharma, Marcus Stoinis and Deshpande. Although the team had bought Chris Woakes in the auction, the Englishman had already pulled out of the league, citing his workload management. It could have been a huge break for Deshpande, who wanted to learn from the senior pros, during his stay.

"I was looking forward to interacting with (SA fast bowler) Kagiso Rabada and Ishant Sharma, and (coach) Ricky Ponting,” Deshpande added.