In cricket, careers are marked by pivotal moments, and for Tanush Kotian, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From humble beginnings to becoming a vital cog in India’s Test squad, Kotian’s story exemplifies resilience and consistent performance. Let’s take a deep dive into his notable debut and last matches across formats, recent performances, and his promising future as a replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin.
Debut and Last Matches – A Timeline of Tanush Kotian’s Career
First-Class Matches (FC)
- Debut: Mumbai vs. Saurashtra at Wankhede, December 22–25, 2018
- Last: India A vs. Australia A at Melbourne, November 7–9, 2024
Tanush Kotian’s First-Class debut came on the hallowed turf of Wankhede Stadium in 2018, where his all-round performance hinted at a bright future. His most recent FC outing in Melbourne showcased his ability to adapt to challenging conditions against top-tier opponents, keeping his First-Class record impeccable with 101 wickets and over 1,500 runs.
List A Matches
- Debut: Saurashtra vs. Mumbai at Delhi, March 9, 2021
- Last: Hyderabad vs. Mumbai at Ahmedabad, December 23, 2024
From his debut in Delhi to his latest match in Ahmedabad, Kotian’s growth in List A cricket has been phenomenal. With crucial contributions in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, his all-round abilities have repeatedly bailed Mumbai out of tight spots.
T20 Matches
- Debut: Karnataka vs. Mumbai at Guwahati, November 4, 2021
- Last: M. Pradesh vs. Mumbai at Bengaluru, December 15, 2024
T20 cricket demands versatility, and Kotian proved his mettle right from his debut in Guwahati. In his last T20 game against Madhya Pradesh, his tight spells highlighted his control and ability to handle pressure in high-stakes encounters.
Recent Performances – A Mixed Bag of Results
Tanush Kotian’s recent outings reflect both his strengths and areas to improve upon:
| Match | Bat | Bowl | Date | Ground | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai vs. Hyderabad | 39* | 2/38 | 23-Dec-2024 | Ahmedabad | List A |
| Mumbai vs. Karnataka | — | 0/73 | 21-Dec-2024 | Ahmedabad | List A |
| Mumbai vs. M. Pradesh | — | 0/17 | 15-Dec-2024 | Bengaluru | T20 |
| Mumbai vs. Baroda | — | 1/16 | 13-Dec-2024 | Bengaluru | T20 |
| Mumbai vs. Vidarbha | — | 1/19 | 11-Dec-2024 | Alur | T20 |
Despite some challenging spells with the ball, Kotian’s ability to bounce back—like his unbeaten 39 runs in a recent List A match—is commendable.
Tanush Kotian: A Promising Addition to India’s Test Squad
The announcement of Tanush Kotian as Ravichandran Ashwin’s replacement for the remaining Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a significant milestone. His stellar domestic performances made him a natural choice:
- 2023-24 Ranji Trophy: 502 runs @ 41.83, 29 wickets @ 16.96, Player-of-the-Tournament
- Current Ranji Trophy: 12 wickets in two games @ 16.66
His knack for excelling in both departments ensures depth in India’s lineup.
Achievements and Milestones
- Player of the Tournament (2023-24 Ranji Trophy)
- First domestic player to achieve the season double of 500+ runs and 25+ wickets
- Key contributor to Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup triumphs
What Sets Kotian Apart?
In an era where specialists dominate, Kotian’s all-round abilities offer a refreshing blend of skill and adaptability. He has honed his craft through relentless hard work, rising above the competition with both bat and ball.
Challenges Ahead
The role of a spinner in Australia is challenging. Still, Kotian’s ability to back Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja in the spin department could be the X-factor India needs to tilt the series in their favor.
India’s Test Squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma (capt) | Batter |
| Jasprit Bumrah (VC) | Bowler |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batter |
| Abhimanyu Easwaran | Batter |
| Shubman Gill | Batter |
| Virat Kohli | Batter |
| KL Rahul | Batter |
| Rishabh Pant (wk) | Keeper-Batter |
| Ravindra Jadeja | Allrounder |
| Washington Sundar | Allrounder |
| Tanush Kotian | Allrounder |
FAQs
Q1: Who is Tanush Kotian?
Tanush Kotian is a Mumbai-based all-rounder who was recently included in India’s Test squad as Ravichandran Ashwin’s replacement.
Q2: What are Kotian’s key achievements?
Kotian won Player-of-the-Tournament in the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy, completing 500+ runs and 25+ wickets in a season.
Q3: Why is Kotian replacing Ashwin?
Following Ashwin’s retirement, Kotian has been selected to provide spin depth alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.
Q4: What are Kotian’s strengths?
Kotian excels as a bowler with sharp off-spin and is a dependable lower-order batter, making him a reliable all-rounder.
Q5: How has Kotian performed recently?
His recent performances include a match-winning knock of 39* and consistent bowling in domestic competitions.
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