Pavan Deshpande - The aficionado of consistency

Pavan Deshpande, born 16 September 1989 in Dharwad, Karnataka made his first-class Karnataka debut at the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season. Karnataka has always been a strong force to reckon with in the domestic scene. And also, they are the only team to triumph a domestic treble twice, and that is a testimony to the assertion. Getting a chance to play for such a team is definitely a journey of a thousand miles. 

Pavan Deshpande made his way to the ranks of his state's Ranji side by representing the Vultures Cricket Club, the all-rounder played a range of noticeable knocks like a string of array that led to a maiden call-up for Karnataka. It was definitely a dream come true for Pavan, especially while he was someone right from his very young age who fell in love with the game. During the 2016 Ranji season, Karnataka had found a formidable middle-order option in Pavan. A consistent performer with the bat who can also bowl some off-breaks that could breach the opposition’s batting line-up. 

The 30-year-old had a dream debut, a half-century that included 11 boundaries against Maharashtra showcased that he is tailor-made for being a part of Karnataka’s first-class side. His all-rounding exploits were on full traits. Consistency and Deshpande go hand-in-hand, in 2017-18 Vijay Hazare Trophy everyone witnessed his vibrant ability with the bat, amassing 310 runs in 8 matches with an average of 51.66. Pavan’s noteworthy efforts during the campaign played an impeccable role in Karnataka's victorious run in 2017-18 Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Pavan had become a household name and a few months later during the IPL 2018 player auction, the Royal Challengers Bangalore acquired him for a base price of INR 20 Lakhs. But, unfortunately, the Dharwad lad couldn’t get match time and was released after prior to 2019 season. One year later, at the 2020 IPL auction, Royal Challengers Bangalore had once again developed an interest in him, and this time Pavan will be looking to impress both Mike Hesson and Simon Katich in the hopes of breaking the duck and make his debut for the Bengaluru-based side.

Considering that the IPL 2020 season will be played on the soil of the UAE, which can be ideally a match made in heaven for a player like him. This homecoming for Pavan is going to help him cement his place in both the Karnataka and the RCB squads.