For Tushar Deshpande, the rewards from India A’s win over Australia A were about more than the five wickets he picked up across the four-day contest.

The pacer returned match figures of 5/46, including an incisive 3/14 in the second innings, as India A beat Australia A by 162 runs at the Cricket Association Pondicherry Siechem Ground on Friday.

Tushar Deshpande felt his rhythm and ability to consistently hit the areas he wanted were particularly encouraging.

“I think the rhythm was really good,” Deshpande told the Rajasthan Royals website. “I was hitting the areas I wanted to, and once you get that rhythm as a fast bowler, everything starts falling into place. The five wickets are obviously special, but I’m happier with how I bowled.”

India A posted 334 in their first innings, built around Kumar Kushagra’s 113 and Tanush Kotian’s 69, before dismissing Australia A for 171.

Deshpande took 2/32 in the first innings, including the wicket of opener Sam Konstas for 25 after the Australian had occupied the crease for 76 deliveries.

India A then made 199 in their second innings to set Australia A a daunting target of 363.

Deshpande was even more economical during the chase. He conceded only 14 runs from his eight overs and dismissed Campbell Kellaway, Josh Philippe and Liam Scott as Australia A were bowled out for 200.

The performance followed Deshpande’s 4/57 in the Duleep Trophy and continued an encouraging run in the longer format.

For the pacer, one of the biggest adjustments from T20 to red-ball cricket has been learning to resist searching for a wicket with every delivery. Instead, the longer format has required him to string together good overs and build pressure over extended spells.

That process is something Deshpande particularly enjoys when working on a batter over a prolonged period.

“That’s the beauty of red-ball cricket,” he said. “You’re not just bowling at the batter. You’re trying to understand him, create doubt and eventually force a mistake.

“When you get the wicket after working on someone for a long time, it feels even better.”

Deshpande believes the clarity in his plans and confidence in his rhythm have contributed to his recent red-ball performances, but is reluctant to read too much into a short run of results.

“I feel very good about where my bowling is at the moment,” he said. “But I’ve played enough cricket to know you don’t look too far ahead. You enjoy the performance and then start again.”

Back in the India A setup, Deshpande also remains motivated by the prospect of adding to his two appearances for the senior Indian team.

“The hunger is still exactly the same,” Deshpande said. “I’ve played for India before, and I want to wear that shirt again.

“I’ve worked a lot on my fitness and feel fitter than I ever have. I’m not going to chase selection. I’m going to chase performances and make sure I’m ready when the opportunity comes.”

Deshpande also believes the work he has put into his fitness has left him in better physical shape than ever, an important consideration given the injury setbacks he has dealt with during his career.

He has also previously clocked 153.9kph, but says outright pace is not something he needs to consciously chase when his bowling action is functioning smoothly.

“I’ve always said pace comes when the rhythm is right,” Deshpande said. “When I’m running in freely and not overthinking my action, the pace takes care of itself.”

Managing his body has become another important part of that process following previous injury setbacks.

Where Deshpande once associated hard work primarily with doing more, experience has taught him to place greater emphasis on recovery and consistency, with staying available to play now forming an important part of his approach.

“The aim is to stay on the park and keep performing,” he pointed out.

That balance between patience and aggression also separates the two versions of Deshpande across formats.

“In T20, you’re looking for a wicket almost every ball,” said Deshpande, who has represented the Royals in the Indian Premier League the last two seasons. “In red-ball cricket, you’re happy to bowl six good balls, then another six, and keep building pressure. I’m really enjoying that side of the game.”

Asked whether he would back his white-ball or red-ball self if each had six deliveries to dismiss the same batter, he was unwilling to choose.

“I’m backing both!” Deshpande said. “White-ball Tushar might have a surprise ready straightaway. Red-ball Tushar would enjoy setting him up.”

For now, it is the latter who has reason to be satisfied after helping India A take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series against Australia A.