The Rajasthan Royals (RR) recently lit up the team hotel with joy and camaraderie as they celebrated pacer Tushar Deshpande’s 30th birthday on Thursday, May 15. The heartwarming occasion was marked by laughter, cake-smearing, and a strong sense of team spirit, even as the squad endures a difficult Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign.
Rajasthan Royals shares Tushar Deshpande’s Video on Social Media
A video clip shared by the franchise on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle captures the lively birthday moment. Surrounded by teammates, Tushar Deshpande was all smiles as he cut into his birthday cake — but the sweet treat didn’t remain on the plate for long. In true cricketing team tradition, the cake was swiftly and generously smeared across his face, drawing cheers and laughter from the RR squad.
Joining the celebration was Tushar Deshpande’s wife, Nabha Gaddamwar, who stood by his side during the cheerful gathering. Her presence added a personal touch to the occasion, reflecting the family-like bond that the Royals have fostered over the season.
While the birthday bash brought a dose of joy to the RR camp, the broader backdrop tells a more somber story. The IPL 2025 season was abruptly suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on May 9, reportedly due to organizational and logistical concerns. However, the tournament is now set to resume on Saturday, May 17, much to the relief of fans and franchises alike.
As the IPL restarts, the Rajasthan Royals will return to action on Sunday, May 18, when they host the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The match, while no longer consequential for the Royals’ playoff hopes, will be an opportunity to regain pride and entertain home fans in what has otherwise been a challenging season.
Sanju Samson’s team is already out of the race for the playoffs. With just six points from 12 games, the Royals currently languish at ninth place on the points table. Their final league match is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, where they will face off against MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Despite the lackluster season, moments like Tushar Deshpande’s birthday celebration remind fans and players alike that cricket is more than just wins and losses — it’s also about unity, resilience, and shared joy. As the Royals look to finish their season on a high note, fans can still expect moments of brilliance, both on and off the field.
