Speaking ahead of the Melbourne Test, Rohit jokingly remarked that left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav didn’t have a visa, which led to the decision to call up Kotian. However, the skipper quickly clarified that the decision was made based on Kotian’s brilliant performances for Mumbai in domestic cricket.

“Tanush was the right option for us. He has certainly shown in the domestic level what he is capable of. He is probably one of the reasons why Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy last year.”

“Yeah, Tanush was here a month back. Kuldeep, I don’t think has a visa. We wanted somebody to get here as quickly as possible. Tanush was the one who was ready. That’s just a joke. He played here. He is good enough. He has shown what he has done in the last 1–2 years in domestic cricket. And we really wanted a back-up in case we need two spinners playing here or Sydney, you need a back-up option,” Rohit said during the pre-match press conference.

Rohit revealed that Kuldeep isn’t fully fit as he underwent hernia surgery. He also mentioned all-rounder Axar Patel, who wasn’t able to travel to Australia as he recently had a baby. The 37-year-old then remarked that Kotian was one of the main reasons why Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy last year.

“Kuldeep, obviously, he is not 100 percent fit, he went through hernia surgery. And the other options like Axar, Axar recently had a baby, he was not going to travel. Tanush was the right option for us. He has certainly shown in the domestic level what he is capable of. He is probably one of the reasons why Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy last year. He played a major role as an all-rounder. Very good option for us, all areas are covered,” Rohit said.

With 101 wickets and 2 centuries in 33 first-class matches, Kotian is not only a reliable off-spinner, but is also a good lower-order batter, who can pile on runs and frustrate the opposition as well.

The post ‘He is good enough’: Rohit Sharma backs Tanush Kotian after India selection for Melbourne Test appeared first on Cricket Country.

“The Men’s Selection Committee has named all-rounder Tanush Kotian as an addition to India’s squad for the fourth and fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The off-spinner from Mumbai has played 33 first-class matches, taking 101 wickets at an average of 25.70. In addition to his bowling achievements, Kotian has three five-wicket hauls and has scored two centuries and 13 half-centuries,” said BCCI in their official statement

“He was part of the India A squad and participated in the second first-class game against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Kotian played a pivotal role in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy 2023-24 triumph. He was awarded the Player of the Tournament for his outstanding all-round performance, which included 502 runs at an average of 41.83 and 29 wickets at an average of 16.96,” the statement further added.

Kotian’s bowling style is frequently compared to Ravichandran Ashwin. He bowls with speed, constantly delivering between 85km/h and 90km/h, while adding bounce and turn. He is a great addition to the team because of his ability as well as his talent for breaking partnerships.

Kotian used to play gully cricket during his beginning days in the busy lanes of Vikhroli, Mumbaito develop his abilities. His career has had a great influence by his father, a former semi-professional cricket player who is now a coach as well.

India’s squad for the fourth and fifth Test
Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Devdutt Padikkal, Tanush Kotian

The post Ravichandran Ashwin’s replacement for Indian squad: BCCI announced all-rounder as the successor for legendary spinner appeared first on Cricket Country.

According to a report by Sportstar, Kotian has received his maiden call-up to join the India squad in Melbourne and will leave for Australia on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old who won the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai last season, is also a part of the side for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kotian is not only a reliable off-spinner but is also quite a decent lower-order batter, who can play important knocks in crunch situations.

In 33 first-class matches, Kotian has taken an impressive 101 wickets and has also scored 2 centuries. Due to his brilliant all-round displays he has become a regular in the Mumbai side across all formats in the last few seasons.

In this season’s Irani Cup, Kotian scored a century against Rest of India as Mumbai ended their 27-year drought for the domestic trophy. Then, in Duleep Trophy, he again impressed by picking up 10 wickets in only 3 matches for India A in their victorious campaign.

Kotian may have been given a place in the Indian squad, however, all-rounder Washington Sundar may be preferred over him in the starting XI for the upcoming Boxing Day Test which is set to commence from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The post Mumbai all-rounder Tanush Kotian added to India squad ahead of Melbourne Test: Report appeared first on Cricket Country.

The incident took place when Harris was batting on 48 against Indian spinner Tanush Kotian, who bowled a peach of a delivery to bamboozle the Australia A batter. After what looked like a “genuine edge”, the ball would land safely in the hands of the slip fielder.

India A players were visibly frustrated with the umpire’s choice to give no decision, firmly believing the ball had nicked Harris’ bat.

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Harris would eventually go on to complete his fifty and would finally be dismissed on 74 by pacer Prasidh Krishna. Thanks to Harris’ knock, Australia A would take a lead of 62 runs after bowling out India A for a modest total of 161 in the first innings.

The post WATCH: India A players left SHOCKED with umpire’s controversial call on Marcus Harris appeared first on Cricket Country.

Mumbai’s last Irani Cup victory came 27 years ago during the 1997/98 season and since then, the domestic powerhouse appeared in 8 more finals, however ended up not tasting any success.

Mumbai, who started the final day from overnight 153/6, declared their second innings at 329/8 for an overall lead of 450 runs.

Kotian, who scored 64 in the first innings and resumed his innings on 20, remained not out on 114 off 150 balls, hitting 10 fours and a six.

Knowing the futility of chasing 451 in little over a session, the Rest of India skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad shook hands with his opposite number Ajinkya Rahane, signaling the draw and victory for Mumbai, the defending Ranji Trophy champions, at the same time.

Mumbai skipper Rahane was understandably delighted. “Winning the trophy after 27 years feel amazing. It was a red-soil wicket. I will like to pick Tanush Kotian for his performances in the previous season and this match,” Rahane said.

“The Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup belong to everyone – from the maidan cricketers to everyone playing cricket in Mumbai,” Rahane added.

Sarfaraz was adjudged player of the match for his double hundred in Mumbai’s first innings.

“I follow the process well and came into the tournament with practice. You build up experience by playing in different grounds. You get a knowledge on how to play on different pitches. I have a lot to learn by being around the Test team and can improve every facet of my game,” said Sarfaraz.

Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Nayak lauded the team for the win.

“Congratulations to the Mumbai Team for clinching the Irani Cup! Once again, Mumbai demonstrated an outstanding example of grit and determination,” said Nayak.

The post Mumbai ride on Tanush Kotian’s ton, seal 15th Irani Cup title after 27 years appeared first on Cricket Country.

Earlier this month, Minz was involved in a bike accident. Even while his father told PTI that the injury wasn’t significant and that he only had minor bruises, it appears that GT opted not to take the chance and has now purchased a replacement. Sharath plays as a batsman and wicketkeeper for Karnataka in domestic cricket. In addition to playing in 43 List A games, 20 First-Class matches, and 28 T20s, he has scored 328 runs in T20 cricket. At ₹20 lakhs, which is his base pay, he will join GT.

In the meantime, RR had held Zampa before the auction the previous year. However, his manager informed ESPNcricinfo on Thursday that he would not be playing in the 2024 Indian Premier League because of personal issues. In six IPL 2023 appearances, Zampa claimed eight wickets at a strike rate of 23.50 and an economy rate of 8.54, with statistics of 3/22 in a victory over CSK at home.

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Tanush Kotian, who was instrumental in Mumbai’s 42nd Ranji Trophy championship campaign, has taken Zampa’s spot. In 23 T20s, 26 First Class, and 19 List A matches, he has played for Mumbai. At a base pay of ₹20 lakhs, he joined RR.

The post GT’s Robin Minz Out of IPL 2024 Due to Bike Accident; Tanush Kotian Joins RR as Replacement for Zampa appeared first on Cricket Country.

Collaborating for the final wicket with Mumbai at 337 for nine overnight, Kotian and Deshpande displayed remarkable resilience, batting Baroda out of contention and securing a 36-run first-innings lead. Kotian reached his century first, taking 115 balls and hitting nine fours and three sixes. Deshpande swiftly followed suit in 112 deliveries, accumulating eight fours and six maximums, both players achieving their maiden First-Class hundreds.

This achievement marks only the second instance after Chandu Sarwate and Shute Banerjee accomplished the feat in a Surrey v Indians match at the Oval in 1946.

The partnership between Kotian and Deshpande also marks just the third instance where an Indian pair has orchestrated a remarkable 200-plus stand for the last wicket. Moreover, Deshpande’s exceptional century makes him only the third Indian batsman to achieve a First-Class hundred while batting at number 11, surpassing Banerjee’s previous record of 121 to claim the highest First-Class score by an Indian number 11 batsman. Deshpande’s innings culminated at 123, concluding the partnership at 232, falling just one run shy of the Ranji Trophy record.

Although Sarwate and Banerjee boast the overall Indian record with their 249-run partnership, the Ranji Trophy record is held by Ajay Sharma and Maninder Singh. This extraordinary achievement was realized with a 233-run partnership against Bombay in the 1991-92 Ranji semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. While Sharma led the charge with an unbeaten 259, Singh contributed 78 to their partnership, ultimately propelling Delhi to victory by virtue of the first-innings lead.

The post Mumbai’s Tanush Kotian and Tushar Deshpande Script History: First No. 10-11 Pair to Score Centuries in a Ranji Trophy Innings, Smash First-Class Records appeared first on Cricket Country.