‘Career shuru hote hi khatam ho gaya iska toh’ – Fans react as Tushar Deshpande reacts to fake news of him calling Rohit Sharma ‘an easy wicket’

After dismissing Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper, Rohit Sharma during the two teams’ most recent match in the rivalry on Saturday, April 8,  at the Wankhede Stadium, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Tushar Deshpande pointed out the fake statement going viral on his name during the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The uncapped Indian speedster, who helped CSK strengthen their control on the game they finally won by getting Rohit out bowled for 21 off 13 runs, is known for a widely shared comment in which he appears to have said that it is simple to remove the Men in Blue skipper.

Even if this was barely credible, Deshpande nonetheless faced a backlash on social media, particularly from Rohit Sharma supporters, who misinterpreted the widely shared comment as a dig against one of India’s greatest-ever batters.

We believe in him: MS Dhoni 

Nevertheless, on Monday, April 10, the 27-year-old finally opened up about the situation and contradicted the fake statement that had been going around by claiming he could never say that getting rid of Rohit was simple and that he respects all the game’s legends in the highest regard.

Tushar Deshpande addressed his position on the topic and encouraged supporters to not believe any fake reports or create such for the sake of entertainment on Instagram after the controversy around the false statement. “I have absolute respect for all the legends mentioned above. I did not, and would not make any such demeaning statements. Stop spreading fake news,” the Mumbai-born cricketer wrote on his social media handle.

“We believe in him, and when you’re new you are under pressure but playing in the IPL for a few years brings different pressure [on Deshpande]. He had a great domestic season, he is improving. He has a lot of potential but he can improve by not bowling those no-balls, and by being more consistent,” MS Dhoni was quoted as saying in the post-match presentation after defeating the five-time champion.

Here’s how fans reacted to Tushar Deshpande’s statement on fake news: