IPL 2026: Dale Steyn Hails Tushar Deshpande’s Fearless Spell, Says Selectors Will Keep Close Watch

Delhi Capitals beat Mumbai Indians in the day match. Rajasthan Royals then defeated Gujarat Titans in a tense chase at Ahmedabad. On Star Sports' 'Amul Cricket Live', JioStar experts Dale Steyn and Sanjay Bangar broke down RR's win and DC batter Sameer Rizvi's 90.

Dale Steyn called the Gujarat Titans versus Rajasthan Royals game, "easily the best game of TATA IPL 2026." He felt GT missed many chances to win. He said RR will gain huge confidence after sealing a final over result under pressure.

RR show shift from narrow losses to gritty wins

Steyn recalled Rajasthan's "heartbreaker of an IPL season" last year. He noted they often lost by small margins and missed big chances. This season, he sees a changed unit that tries every option to secure a win and avoid leaving chances unused.

Steyn praised Tushar Deshpande's last over against Gujarat. "The final over bowled by Tushar Deshpande was exceptional," he said. Deshpande hit four yorkers under pressure, denied Rashid Khan boundaries, and kept calm while defending a total above 200 runs.

Steyn highlighted Deshpande's tactical shift. After four yorkers, Deshpande changed his line and length. He bowled a fuller ball that tempted Rashid into a big hit. Rashid was caught on the boundary. Steyn called it a "wonderful display of game sense."

Steyn said Deshpande's calm under pressure was rare. He felt the spell was "fearless" and could catch the eye of India selectors. "This bowling performance will ensure that the Indian selectors don't take their eyes off him this IPL season."

Bangar credits Riyan Parag's composed leadership

Sanjay Bangar lauded Riyan Parag's handling of the tense chase. "Riyan Parag deserves the credit for his amazing captaincy in this match against GT," he said. Bangar noted the difficulty of choosing bowlers in pressure overs with many options available.

Bangar said Parag "clearly trusted Tushar Deshpande to bowl the final over." He explained how such faith can define a game. Deshpande then "bowled the best over of his cricket career," soaking pressure. Bangar felt future close finishes will likely see Parag turn to him.

Bangar also spoke on Ravi Bishnoi's bowling. "Ravi Bishnoi rarely bowls the leg break," he said. Bishnoi mainly uses a googly and a straight one. Bangar noted figures of 4 for 41, saying Bishnoi "works well within his limitations" and still troubles batters.

Rizvi's 90 for DC draws strong praise

On Sameer Rizvi, Bangar said, "That knock of 90 runs was simply outstanding from Sameer Rizvi." He underlined the slow pitch and lack of pace. Bangar praised Rizvi's footwork, crease use, and shot placement, especially against slower balls from Mumbai bowlers.

Bangar said Rizvi has always played spin well. He noted that against LSG, Rizvi also handled fast bowling. Versus MI, he dominated Shardul Thakur and Corbin Bosch. Bangar saw this as clear growth from Rizvi's CSK stint, built on slow, low track experience.